The Barrington School Committee is updating its “alcohol sensor device” policy.

Last month, committee members conducted a first reading for the new policy. Barrington School Committee Chairwoman Gina Bae said the new policy is very similar to the existing policy — she said the revisions in the policy were related to protocols that emphasized more intervention measures as opposed to punishment for students found to be violating the policy. Ms. Bae also said the new policy will be more in line with state law regarding suspensions.

Both policies state that all students and their guests attending schools dances, proms, and semi-formal events are required to take a breathalyzer test before entering the event. 

Ms. Bae said the policy has not been enforced at middle school events, including Sports Nights. She said school district administrators have never needed to use the alcohol sensor device at the middle school. 

The existing policy clarifies the rules surrounding students who refuse to take a breathalyzer test, or those whose test results show use of alcohol. As for repercussions for violations, the policy states: “In accordance with procedures to be adopted by the Superintendent, a student may also be barred from attendance at future school events of the same kind; suspended from participation in any voluntary extracurricular activities, teams, or clubs in which the student is a leader, participant, or member; and referred to the student assistance counselor.”

The new, draft policy offers a similar list of repercussions:

● “… for the safety of students and others, the individual will be denied entry to the event and, by procedures adopted by the Superintendent, will be released into the custody of their parent or guardian or, if they are unavailable, to another responsible adult on their emergency contact to transport the individual safely home.

● “…school officials will also refer the student to the student assistance counselor.

● “Students may also face the consequences based on Interscholastic Team Rules.

● “… the student may be subject to disciplinary action following the individual school’s code of conduct, and school officials will call their parents/guardians to pick them up.

● “If the School Resource Officer is present, the sensor’s purpose is for the student and community’s safety, not for legal purposes. The SRO will intercede only if a student suspected of being under the influence refuses to cooperate with the administration to the extent that they may place themselves or others in danger by driving or engaging in other dangerous activities.

● “In the instance of concern regarding the individual’s health and safety, administrators may also call emergency services.”

Both policies — the existing one and the draft — also include information regarding the use of an alcohol sensor device for “reasonable suspicion testing.” The policies also state that the devices may be used during the school day or during other functions when deemed appropriate by building principals.