'Overwhelmingly Positive Response' To Breathalyzers At Chatham School Events: Superintendent

CHATHAM – Slightly vexed by the ‘unusual degree’ of attention a recent school board vote received, Chatham Schools Superintendent Michael LaSusa said the response by the community has been tremendously positive.

That vote was to further enhance a policy already on the books for seven years, one that gives faculty members the ability to screen, at random, students who show up to Chatham school events under the influence of alcohol. The new measure allows for the use of breathalyzers at the school-sponsored events.

In a letter to the community recently, LaSusa said it is the district’s focus to keep students safe and away from danger.

The letter, in part, states:

The reason our administration has focused more closely on the use of these devices is that foremost of our responsibilities as educators is the safety and well-being of students. In an effort to be ever more proactive in this regard, our high school administration has held meetings with students, sent letters to students and parents in advance of large school events, worked with police at certain events, and taken other steps to educate students about the dangers and consequences of coming to a school-sponsored event under the influence of alcohol.

Despite our efforts, we have not been immune to unfortunate incidents. I have been superintendent for four years now. In each of those years, I have had to work with our high school administrative team to deal with incidents involving the consumption of alcohol prior to or during school-sponsored events. These incidents are often frightening as they unfold and are always extremely trying on students and families directly involved in them. They sometimes result in emergency room visits and they always result in suspension from school. I would never want any student or family to endure such an experience.

LaSusa went on to applaud the students and community, and said any tool that can be used to guide students in a better direction is worth pursuing.

“I am hopeful that the use of these devices at some point in the future will serve only to improve the student experience at our events and also contribute to Chatham’s reputation as a school district dedicated to fostering the development of the whole child,” LaSusa concluded.