Navigating the harsh realities of today’s world, students in Sault Ste. Marie are facing challenges that go far beyond the classroom—and one of the most pressing is the battle against addiction. But here’s where it gets controversial: while schools are traditionally seen as places of learning, they’re now on the front lines of a crisis that demands more than just academic support. The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (H-SCDSB) are stepping up, not just to prevent drug use but to offer a lifeline to those already struggling. This article is part of SooToday’s Turning the Tide series, an in-depth exploration of solutions to the city’s toxic drug crisis. You can dive deeper into this project here.
The stakes are high, and the world outside these school walls is unforgiving. Darryl Fillmore, ADSB’s mental health lead, puts it bluntly: ‘It’s a tough world out there for our students, and the risks they face are greater than ever.’ With a growing number of substances readily available to youth, schools are racing to stay one step ahead. But prevention is only half the battle. For students already grappling with addiction, the question becomes: How do we pull them back from the edge?
And this is the part most people miss: It starts with a simple yet powerful idea—a ‘no wrong door’ policy. ‘A student can approach any adult in the school, and that adult knows exactly how to connect them to the right support,’ Fillmore explains. This means teachers, counselors, and even mental health nurses are trained to intervene, offering a safety net for those in need. ADSB alone has 25 school counselors dedicated to this cause, alongside visiting mental health and addictions nurses who provide specialized care.
But what happens when the problem goes deeper? Students struggling with substance use are often referred to community agencies like Algoma Family Services, which offers Alternatives for Youth—an outpatient program that combines counseling with harm reduction strategies. ‘This program meets students where they are, even coming directly into the school for one-on-one support,’ Fillmore notes. For more severe cases, partnerships with healthcare facilities like Sault Area Hospital ensure students get the professional help they need.
Here’s where opinions start to diverge: While drugs are strictly prohibited on school premises—with consequences like suspension for violations—educators acknowledge that some students still use drugs, either during or after school hours. ‘We’re not naive,’ says Fil Lettieri, H-SCDSB’s director of education. ‘When we become aware of drug use, our focus shifts to supporting the student and their family.’ This approach raises questions: Are schools doing enough to enforce rules, or should they prioritize compassion over punishment? Jared Lambert, H-SCDSB’s mental health lead, emphasizes the latter: ‘We want students to know our staff are approachable, that they can reach out without fear of judgment.’
Both boards also offer specialized classrooms for students battling addiction, alongside programs like PreVenture, which educates Grades 7 and 8 students on the risks of drug and alcohol use while promoting healthy alternatives. ‘It’s about giving them tools to make better choices,’ Lambert explains. Encouraging involvement in sports, arts, and other hobbies further reinforces this message.
But is it working? While Lettieri believes these efforts are reducing drug prevalence in schools, the reality is complex. ‘Their brains and bodies are still developing,’ Lambert reminds us. ‘Drugs are not a healthy choice, but avoiding them altogether is the best path—for students and adults alike.’
Despite the challenges, there are stories of hope. Fillmore shares how ADSB, alongside partners like Algoma Family Services, has helped students who’ve missed years of schooling due to addiction reintegrate and graduate. ‘Seeing what these students overcome is what keeps us going,’ he says. But here’s the question we leave you with: Are schools doing enough, or is this a problem that requires a broader societal shift? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
