High Standards for the Renfrew County District School Board

Even though it’s new territory, it’s business as usual for the Renfrew County District School Board.

As October 17 inked itself in history as being a historical day for Canada, the legalization of recreational cannabis doesn’t seem to worry the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB). Communications manager for the RCDSB, Jonathan Laderoute, says that students and staff know what to expect when it comes to the legalization of pot and that “it’s no different than how we manage our existing drugs and alcohol standards and policies on school grounds”.

In terms of dealing with infractions, in regards to the use or possession of pot at school, Laderoute mentions that as usual, the principal can instill a suspension of 1 to 20 days.

When it comes to the future, Laderoute states that it’s hard to say if pot will become a big problem, but he is confident that his staff know what the expectations are and that they are fit for duty. One of the things the RCDSB will do is have their employees consult the provincial police department and health unit to make sure they are aware of the ins and outs of dealing with pot when it comes to enforcement and well being. According to Laderoute, this will only add to the groundwork that they already have in place.