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." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth