Pubdate: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Surrey Leader Contact: http://www.surreyleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236 Author: Sheila Reynolds Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) SCHOOL CRYSTAL METH EDUCATION PLAN A GO An education plan to address concerns about crystal meth use will be developed in the next 12 months, after Surrey school trustees voted unanimously to support the concept Thursday. As reported in The Leader on Friday, Trustee Kim Evoy brought a motion to fellow board members asking district staff to come up with a plan to address public concern over use of the street drug and the potentially damaging effects it could have on students. Also known as ice, glass, zip and crank, crystal methamphetamine is highly addictive and very inexpensive. Evoy said trustees needed to take responsibility for Surrey students and carry on with education and prevention initiatives. While the school district has several programs for various grade levels dealing with other substances, like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco, there is nothing dealing with crystal meth specifically. "We do have some very effective programs generally," said Trustee Mary Polak, "...we need to get in front of this one." Trustee Heather Stilwell referred to problems already encountered in the U.S. saying babies born addicted are battling effects worse than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). "This is a scourge," added Trustee Pam Glass, "and absolutely divisive of families and communities. I know whereof I speak - we have a drug addict in our family." Staff will report back to the school board with a detailed plan next spring. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager