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Alcohol tests widen at area high schools
(by Sue Hoffman - November 05, 2008)
Alcohol tests widen at area high schools
By SUE HOFFMAN
Alcohol testing at school events is being conducted by several local school districts.
Kenston High School conducts random alcohol testing at school dances. The Solon district selectively uses alcohol testing and is studying the possibility of doing more as better technology becomes available. The Orange and West Geauga districts have police test students who appear to be under the influence of alcohol.
Chagrin Falls High School recently instituted the most extensive testing program among local districts, testing all 400 students attending the homecoming dance. The procedure resulted from a new policy approved by the school board last spring giving administrators the authority to use alcohol-detection devices.
The policy was recommended by School Superintendent Stephen Thompson and high school Principal Kert Boedicker. Several students were suspended for alcohol consumption at this year's opening football game and major dances held last year, they said.
Students attending homecoming took a breath-detection device called Alco-Sensor FST. The device includes a passive, non-invasive feature that enables the instrument to test for the presence of alcohol.
The person being tested blows into the device, and a positive or negative reading is available in 10 to 15 seconds per student, Mr. Boedicker said. No student was found to be under the influence at the dance, he said. If there had been a positive reading, another test that takes two to four minutes would be used after talking to the student, he said.
"We always have made a conscious effort to meet students as they come into the dance." He said the greetings were expanded during the testing process. "I walked away with a positive feeling, and students gave us positive feedback," Mr. Boedicker said.
"There was no impact on the number of students who attended," he said. "Our students don't think it's personal. We're looking out for our kids, and we believe in them. Our objective is an alcohol-free campus."
Mr. Boedicker said that Green High School in Summit County instituted the same testing this year, and North Olmsted schools have tested for several years.
Currently, Solon police have Breathalyzers available at the larger events, such as homecoming, winter formal and prom, School Superintendent Joseph V. Regano said, and suspected individuals are asked to submit to testing. The district is studying the possibility of using alcohol testing more extensively at the major social and larger athletic events, he said.
"We have always followed the guideline of reasonable suspicion," he said, and school officials watch for "inappropriate behavior."
"Generally, our kids follow the rules," Mr. Regano said. "I see our kids at major sports events, and I don't believe alcohol use is widespread. But it only takes one car accident," he said.
"Any level is not tolerated," he said, when it comes to alcohol or drug use.
Mr. Regano said that technology is changing, and new techniques may be more practical for testing larger groups.
Kenston High School has been conducting random alcohol tests for four years, Principal Nancy Santilli said, and coats and bags are searched.
Of the 750 students attending homecoming this fall, 10 percent were tested, she said.
"We search all the belongings," she said. "It's an effort to be proactive. This is a safe place, and we're not going to tolerate anything illegal. Our parents are aware of it."
Communications is the key, and parents are told what to expect, Mrs. Santilli said. "Students are aware of our expectations."
Breathalyzer testing is conducted by school officials, she said, although police are at the events. If students are found to be under the influence, "we would take appropriate disciplinary action," she said.
Any student testing positive would receive a 10-day, out-of-school suspension for the first offense. It could be reduced to a five-day suspension upon completion of a professional alcohol assessment.
The student also would be referred to the police, Mrs. Santilli said. "We're working closely with the Bainbridge Police Department. Our efforts are to be proactive and to discourage the use of alcohol and drugs."
The West Geauga and Orange districts ask police to do alcohol testing, as needed.
"There's not a huge problem," said Louis DeVincentis, communication coordinator for the Orange district. When students show up appearing impaired, they are tested by the police, he said.
West Geauga School Superintendent Anthony Podojil said his district has a similar policy. "Students understand, that if there's a reason to check further, it's expected," he said. "We haven't found the need to check everyone as they walk in."
The high school always has police at the dances, Dr. Podojil said. "We want to be sure everyone is safe."
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