The decision to axe Salt Lake City's DARE program is the talk of parents and teachers across the state.

Mayor Rocky Anderson announced DARE's demise last night. Today, the decision has a lot of people wondering what's next.

Government Specialist Richard Piatt has an update.

There's no doubt-- a lot of people still like DARE. But now that it's gone, the pressure is on the City and the schools to replace it.

DARE continues outside Salt Lake City this summer. Some 6th graders have their own way of reacting to the program's demise in Salt Lake City.

Brayden Page/Riverton Elem. 6th Grader: I THINK IT'S DUMB.

Samantha Kartchner/Bluffdale Elem. 6th Grader: I THINK IT'S A BAD THING TO DO.

But Mayor Rocky Anderson is only interested in studies on DARE's long-term usefulness as an anti-drug program. He says many studies show it doesn't work.

But those cold, hard facts aren't all people in Salt Lake City are interested in.

DARE In Salt Lake City
Should It Continue?

Yes	73%
No	23%
Don't Know	3%

A flash poll of 500 Salt Lake City residents shows 73% think DARE should continue in Salt Lake City, an overwhelming majority.

Many people feel the exposure to police officers is good for self esteem, and sends a message that adults care about drug abuse.

Jodie Sampson/DARE Officer: I FEEL THAT IF WE CAN HELP ONE CHILD, THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

The challenge now is to find a replacement for DARE in Salt Lake City schools.

Drug Abuse Education
Whose Responsibility?

Schools AND Police	74%
Schools Only	13 %
City Police Only	10%
Not Sure	3%

Our poll shows most people think schools and police should share the burden for teaching kids about drug abuse.

Either way, Salt Lake City's school board has a challenge to meet before fall classes start.

Darlene Robles/Salt Lake City Schools Superintendent: I THINK THE COMMUNITY IS GOING TO LOOK TO US TO BE LEADERS AND STEP UP TO THE PLATE. AND I DON'T WANT TO LET THEM DOWN. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE THAT STEP.

The decision has been made, but DARE shockwaves are just beginning. The mayor's office reports a flood of phone calls, both for and against Rocky Anderson's decision.

The school board is expected to address the hole left by DARE's departure at it's meeting next Tuesday.