Grayslake High taking proactive approach on substance abuse

Grayslake High School District wants to prevent students from having drug or alcohol problems.

Toward that end, District 127 has created a new position of student substance abuse coordinator. Superintendent Catherine Finger said the employee will be hired in time for the 2008-09 academic year.

Finger said the substance abuse professional will work with students, families and teachers at Grayslake Central and North high schools.

Students will be able to approach the counselor confidentially if they believe they have alcohol or drug problems. Staffers also could contact the substance abuse coordinator if a student is suspected of having problems under the proactive approach being initiated at District 127, Finger said.

"It's something I've been very concerned about since coming on board," said Finger, who became District 127's superintendent in July 2005.