The Spencerport Board of Education has approved the use of an Alco-Sensor at school events when there is a reasonable concern that a person is under the influence of alcohol. Authorized district personnel may administer an Alco-Sensor test when a person, including students, attending a school event or on school grounds displays noticeable impairment, according to district officials.

"This move makes our schools and extracurricular events safer places to be," says John Pelin, Spencerport's director of physical education, athletics and health. "We want students and others attending school events to know that it is unhealthy and unsafe to be under the influence of alcohol."

If an authorized district representative, such as the school nurse or an administrator, determines that an Alco-Sensor test is warranted for a student, a parent or other relative will be contacted for permission to administer the test. The test may be administered when a parent is not reachable, unless the student refuses the test.

If the parent or student does not grant permission for the test, the student will be removed from classes or attendance at extracurricular events for the day. A parent, guardian or relative will be asked to transport the student home. Students will not be allowed to leave the grounds unattended.

If the test is administered to a student and there is a positive reading, disciplinary procedures will be implemented as outlined in the district code of conduct.

An Alco-Sensor is a pocket-size breath alcohol tester that offers a simple accurate and economical method of determining blood alcohol levels. Breath samples and results are obtained quickly and easily.