At the middle township in Cape May County, learners suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at prom and other school events will soon be subjected to a breath test. That’s according to a draft policy expected to be approved by the Board of Education at a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17. No one has commented on the “passive breath alcohol sensor device policy” since board members approved its introduction at a meeting in October, Superintendent Michael J. Kopakowski said. In the past, he said, students have shown up to dances intoxicated. The draft policy aims to protect students who are under the influence, other students, staff and community members at events, and it discourages students from using alcohol, according to school officials. This is the first policy of its kind for Middle Township School District, Kopakowski said. “A PBASD [passive breath alcohol sensor device] enables school district staff to check an approximate alcohol level quickly and efficiently without requiring the pupil’s active participation,” according to the draft policy. The handheld device identifies alcohol on a person’s breath and in the air, according to the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association website. Kopakowski described it as similar to a Breathalyzer test. The device would be able to be used before, during and after dances, athletic events, proms, class trips, drama productions, graduation ceremonies and school assemblies, among other school activities and events, according to the draft policy. The draft policy says a principal or another designated person would be given permission to have students be randomly tested, for instance, allowing the testing of every fourth student entering an event. The device could also be used if there’s reason to believe a student is under the influence on school grounds or at a school function, according to the draft policy. If the student is found to be under the influence of alcohol, another screening would be done, according to the draft policy. If the student fails the test again, the incident would be reported to the principal or designated person and the school nurse or the school physician, the draft policy reads. Supervisor of security Scott Webster would also be consulted in the device that’s chosen, Kopakowski said. Kopakowski did not know how much the device would cost. Also at tonight's meeting, the school board is set to vote on a policy on electronic communication and recording devices, including cell phones. Kopakowski said this policy is mandated by the state and would revise a policy the district has in place. “In the old days, you couldn’t bring anything [to school],” he said. That antiquated, one-page policy is not being followed. Kopakowski said he sees students at school usingcell phones. So are adults who work at the school, himself included, he said. He said he doesn’t want to ban students from being allowed to have cell phones in school. He also pointed out that parents want to be able to keep in touch with their child. So, the policy, in draft form, says it would permit cell phones in the schools, but the devices cannot be turned on and should not be used during instructional time or during a school activity. However, students would be able to use cell phones during lunch and extracurricular activities. Students could also use cell phones in emergencies, he said, and also if permission is granted by a school staff member. Kopakowski said teachers are also encouraged to put smartphones to use in the classroom in an educational way. (Article by Shore News Today, edited by LiquorWise)