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Dublin teen party prompts school board discussion
Nov 06, 2009 (Contra Costa Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
A large Halloween party, reportedly with underage drinking, prompted the Dublin school board to call a special meeting earlier this week to review district alcohol and drug policies.
"We take quick action when we see things we need to take quick action about," said school board President David Haubert, who asked that the special meeting be held after the regularly scheduled board meeting Tuesday. The regular meeting's agenda had already been set when he made the request. He said he wanted the board to discuss the issue before the party-heavy holiday season, when the school board meets less frequently.
Haubert did not know how many people attended the Halloween house party, but he said he heard it was packed. He said there were no reports of arrests or citations; Dublin police could not be reached this week.
"We have a moral obligation to provide the safest environment for our students," Haubert said.
The board didn't take any action, but discussed a number of topics, including drug and alcohol programs and district policies.
Haubert said trustees talked about ways to better prevent youth drinking and drug use, including video presentations of the "Every 15 Minutes" program that simulates a drunken-driving accident. The program has been presented live at Dublin High twice, with four years in between the presentations. The video could be shown more frequently, Haubert said.
They also talked about a new city ordinance that
took effect in May that levies fines of up to $500 for those who hold gatherings where underage drinking occurs.
Superintendent Stephen Hanke said the district is also looking at the possibility of holding a public panel discussion on the subject.
Haubert noted a number of recent headline-grabbing cases where underage drinking was prevalent, including the Oct. 24 rape of a Richmond High student during a homecoming dance and the May death of a student who attended an Orinda house party.
Reach Eric Louie at 925-847-2123.
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