Pubdate: Mon, 21 Aug 2000
Source: Post and Courier (SC)
Copyright: 2000 1999 Evening Post Publishing Co.
Contact:  134 Columbus Street Charleston, SC 29403-4800
Website:  http://www.charleston.net/
Author: Associated Press

SENATOR WANTS TEACHERS RANDOMLY TESTED FOR DRUGS

GREENVILLE - A Greenville County senator wants teachers to be randomly
tested for drugs and to require more stringent background checks on all
public school workers.

"Testing for illicit drugs is a no-brainer. The public deserves to know its
teachers are drug-free," said Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville, who plans to
sponsor the legislation in January when the General Assembly reconvenes.

Bus drivers are the only public school employees who are tested for illegal
drug use.

An American Civil Liberties Union board member said the civil rights
organization doesn't oppose testing someone who appears to be under the
influence of drugs on the job.

"Beyond that, it is our opinion there is just no need," said Rock Wise of
Greenwood. "Drug testing is designed to make the public feel like something
is being done when its actual effectiveness isn't that great at all."

Fair said he also wants to tighten the state's law requiring criminal
background checks on public employees.

"Some glaring inequities exist right now, and some are inexcusable," Fair
said. "We need to reach beyond the state's borders when we conduct
background checks on all employees, not just teachers.

All teachers, principals and superintendents are checked for a criminal
background in a national database when they receive state certification.

School districts currently have option to check other public school
employees, such as teacher aides and custodians, for a criminal background
in state records, said Jim Foster, spokesman for the state Education
Department.

Chaundra Stewart of Greenville said she worries about the safety of her
granddaughter, who started first grade this year at Duncan Chapel
Elementary.

"If some loophole exists that could allow a child molester or a drug addict
to be in the classroom next door, I think everyone at the school would want
to close it," Stewart said. "The bottom line is I want my granddaughter to
be safe."

Sen. Ralph Anderson, D-Greenville, said Fair is pushing the envelope too
far.

"I can certainly understand rigid background checks when hiring new
teachers, but we don't need to sleep in their bedroom at night," Anderson
said. "There is a shortage of teachers already. We don't want to take away
the dignity of the profession."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk