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