Pubdate: Tue, 12 Nov 2002
Source: Valley Leader, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 The Valley Leader
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/carmanleader/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2170
Author: Gene Still

NO PLANS FOR RANDOM DRUG TESTING OR BREATHALYZERS IN PRAIRIE ROSE

Some school divisions may be exploring the concept of having breathalyzer 
and random drug testing in schools, but don't look for any such testing 
proposals in the near future from the Prairie Rose School Division.

Manitoba Association of School Trustees risk manager Keith Thomas said one 
unidentified school division in Winnipeg wants to establish the right to 
perform breathalyzer tests on students suspected of drinking over their 
lunch break. Thomas said he told the division not to implement any policy 
until MAST's lawyers had carefully examined the proposal.

The move comes after Garden Valley School Division based in Winkler 
announced plans for random urine sample drug testing of students 
participating in sports at Garden Valley Collegiate. The proposal is on 
hold while it's evaluated by MAST lawyers.

However, Prairie Rose School Division Supt. Fred Colvin said there are no 
such plans in place or even discussions, to set up similar testing in 
Prairie Rose.

"It has not been discussed at the admin or the board level," Colvin said. 
"We wouldn't proceed down that path without the legal advice and full 
discussion of why we want to go down that path.

"It's never come up at a board meeting, even as a suggestion."

The superintendent said he has some serious questions about taking such an 
approach to test people for alcohol or drugs at random, such as the 
violation of privacy.

"I have some concerns with that approach," he said. "It's a road I'm not 
sure we want to go down."
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MAP posted-by: Beth