New city budget may lack funds for DARE
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Predicted budget deficits may compel Moorpark city and school officials to revisit a contentious subject that triggered much debate last year.

When some City Council members proposed replacing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program with another established drug prevention curriculum in 2007 in order to save money, they encountered opposition from parents and other DARE proponents.

DARE is offered to all fifthgraders in Moorpark public schools. It costs about $190,000 annually. The program has been funded entirely by the city for several years, but worsening budget problems in 2008 could force officials to again seek alternatives, said Councilmember Mark Van Dam.

Van Dam and school officials said they've begun to seek substitute programs that are effective and affordable.

"If funding is not available for DARE, then we have to find a program that would be a good substitute," said Van Dam, a middle school teacher in Chatsworth.

A program called Second Step that is already in use throughout the United States could be implemented in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, said Van Dam. The program includes teacher-friendly lessons, training for educators, and parenteducation tools. It integrates academics with social and emotional learning to help children learn vital social skills, such as empathy, emotion management, problem solving and cooperation.

The district is currently just exploring alternatives for elementary grades, said Moorpark Unified School District Superintendent Ellen Smith.

"We're taking the time to research programs that will be effective to educate kids about alcohol, drugs and violence," she said. "Second Step is just one of several programs we're looking at."

Parents interested in reviewing materials for drug prevention programs under consideration are invited to contact Juanita Suarez, director of elementary education, at (805) 378-6300.

Local law enforcement leaders were also included in the conversations, Van Dam said, because positive law enforcement contact is important to students.

"The council has to make tough decisions in tough fiscal times. Whatever program is left standing we'll be happy to participate in," said Moorpark Police Capt. Jeff Matson.

The funding of drug prevention programs has not yet been discussed at school board meetings, said trustee Bruce Thomas.

"Drug prevention programs are important, but we have to make sure our schools are safe. My number one concern is safety and making sure we get the resource officer at the high school," he said. Funding DARE is secondary to safety, he added.

"I'm not aware that the city is going to have to choose between the two," Mayor Patrick Hunter said.

The city budget is not finalized until the end of June so discussions about specific items are premature, he said.

"It's far too early to begin to draw any conclusions on how the city may develop its operating budget for the next fiscal year."

Hunter, who supports the DARE program, said he hopes the council will not repeat last year's mistake.

"The community expressed in very clear and certain terms its desire to maintain the DARE program as part of the school curriculum and the city's overall safety programs," he said.