Breathalyzer tests at Oxford prom

OXFORD, Conn. (WTNH) --Oxford students will be taking a breathalyzer test before they are able to enter the prom.

The Oxford Board of Education voted unanimously on May 22, to approve a pilot program for the testing.

There is no current data on alcohol use by Oxford students, but a 2009 survey in other valley towns shows that some high school students are drinking alcohol before they are even in high school.

The idea to use the breathalyzer test at this year's prom was first brought up on April 10, at a school board meeting by Superintendent John Reed. During the meeting, Reed brought up several ideas to stop substance abuse in schools.

"It keeps our kids safe, it keeps people on the road safe, keeps the school safe, it's a great idea," said parent Maryann Ellington.

The policy that has been adopted gives school administrators the flexibility in deciding which students to test.

"I think it's awesome, I'm all for it, all for it," said parent Jimmy Ellington.

The tests can be done at random, or every student can be tested. Those who fail the breathalyzer test are denied admission into the prom.

"I think it's good, a lot of kids do bad things, and it happens so we might as well prevent it," said Katelyn Wentz of Oxford.

According to administrators, this year will be a test to see if the breathalyzer will be used at future proms.  The amount of students who failed the test, if any will be tallied up. The result will be taken into consideration when the future use of a breathalyzer test is discussed.