Pubdate: Wed, 24 Apr 2002
Source: Hartselle Enquirer, The (AL)
Copyright: 2002 Hartselle Enquirer
Contact:  http://www.hartselleenquirer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1884
Author: Leada DeVaney
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

SYSTEM'S DRUG POLICY UNDER CLOSER SCRUTINY

Hartselle's Board of Education could deal with questions related to 
the on-going student drug controversy as early as its next meeting.

In a letter sent to Mayor Clif Knight, Board President Susan Puckett 
said the board is coming up with a list of questions and concerns 
related to the system's drug policy. The board has a meeting 
scheduled for May 13 at 5 p.m. at the school board.

The questions are the result of the controversy surrounding the 
collapse of two Hartselle High School students last month. Drug tests 
were administered to both students. School officials initially said 
the results of both tests were negative, but later reversed that, 
saying one of the students had tested positive for marijuana.

Following the outcry over the response to the incident, Hartselle 
Superintendent Dr. Lee Hartsell said the board would form a committee 
to look at the existing drug policies.

In her letter, Puckett said board members have been asked to "bring 
any questions they have regarding these issues," to the next meeting.

"Answering the questions and concerns...requires a review of 
policies, a review of the actions of individuals, a determination of 
the ways in which policies or procedures may be improved, as well as 
how new policies may address those concerns," Puckett said.

Puckett warned, however, against expecting an immediate solution.

"The city of Decatur has spent a year going through the process of 
developing such a policy," she said. "The process of establishing 
policy is one that must be made with deliberation and by its nature 
is not accomplished quickly."

Knight said he is "encouraged" by the school's board's willingness to 
look at its policies.

In a letter sent to the board on April 19, Knight said he was 
"encouraged that you all (the board) have initiated the effort to 
come up with a random drug testing policy for our school system."

Knight said he also believes it would be productive for the school 
board and city council to meet at least twice a year. Hartselle's 
City Council appoints school board members but has no direct control 
over its actions.
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