By Danny Teigman
either in school or at school-sponsored events, will soon be subject to Breathalyzer tests if a new district policy is adopted by the school board.
The policy, which East Rockaway Superintendent Dr. Arnold Dodge calls a "deterrent," is designed to curb incidents of under-age drinking at school, and is modeled after similar measures adopted at the Hewlett-Woodmere and Rockville Centre school districts in the past five years.
At present, students can be reprimanded only if they are seen drinking, and they can argue their innocence -- "a contest between student and teacher," said Dodge. "One of our charges is to create a safe environment for our children, and sometimes I think you have to be strict."
Dodge said that principals, athletic directors, coaches, nurses and other administrators would be trained and authorized to administer Breathalyzer tests. Pending approval and/or revision at the Jan. 23 school board meeting, the district would purchase a Breathalyzer device, and training would commence later this month. Several models are being considered, East Rockaway High Principal William Fortgang said, but the average cost ranges between $250 and $300.
Once adopted, the policy would go into effect this spring. "We're not looking to get kids in trouble," Dodge stressed. "The idea is to take all the guesswork out of it if a student has been suspected of drinking."
According to a board resolution drafted last November, students suspected of having consumed or transporting alcohol would be taken to a "secure location" and tested. Suspicion could be based on visible signs of drunkenness, admissions of guilt and statements from others. If the policy were violated, parents or guardians would be notified.
Penalties would range from dismissal from the event to suspension from school. Students would have an opportunity to explain any positive results. Those who refused Breathalyzer tests, however, would be presumed to have been drinking, the draft resolution states.
"The Board of Education is acting proactively for the protection and well-being of our students," the board said in a statement. "We hope this will be a deterrent to any alcohol-related incidents. The students and parents will be made fully aware of the policy, and the staff will all be trained by the police department in using the machinery."
"I would have liked to have had it when my kids were in the school district," said school board Trustee Vicki Alspector.
Nearly a year after a similar policy was instituted at Hewlett High School, fewer than five students have been suspended, and no revisions have been made in the policy. Joyce Bisso, assistant superintendent for curriculum, said that students and parents supported the measure, but she added that too little time had elapsed to evaluate how effective a deterrent it was. "The best deterrent is a community commitment to youth sobriety," Bisso said.
"From prom to field trips to sporting events, if we're involved in it, we feel responsible to do everything we can to ensure that alcohol is not consumed," Dodge added.
Comments about this story? DTeigman@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 246.
