Pubdate: Thu, 09 May 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

DIVERSE COMMITTEE ENVISIONED

The committee charged with formulating Hartselle School Systems drug policy 
will consist of a member of the city council and a representative of the 
school board, as well as coaches, parents and students.

Hardball Enquirer

School Superintendent Dr. Lee Hartsell is formulating a list of the groups 
that will be represented on the committee. Among those groups will be: the 
city council; school board; a representative of the band boosters; parents 
of a cheerleader; two coaches - one from a female sport and one from a male 
sport; a male and female athlete; a representative from the junior high; 
and a classroom teacher who's not connected to athletics.

School Board President Susan Puckett said the committee will consist of 
12-15 members. The committee will be charged with looking at several 
options for a system-wide drug testing policy, including who it will affect 
and how it will be administered.

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel," Hartsell said. "What we do have to 
do is answer two main questions: who all do you include (in the tests) and 
what are the penalties?"

Hartselle's school system is forming a committee to look into drug testing 
for students involved in extra curricular activities following an incident 
at the high school where two teens collapsed and were taken to the 
hospital. Both of the students were tested for drugs.

School officials initially said the results of the tests were negative, but 
later acknowledged that one of the students tested positive for marijuana. 
The incident prompted an array of questions about how it was handled and 
how the system dealt with student drug use.

Currently, the system's drug policy affects only those who are caught on 
campus with narcotics. There is no drug testing of athletes or anyone 
wanting to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Hartsell will present his list, along with some recommendations for actual 
committee members, at the board's May 13 meeting. Board members will also 
be making nominations.

Hartsell said most groups, such as the band boosters, will appoint its own 
representative to the committee. The biggest controversy seems to be 
looming over the appointment of the representative from the city council.

Councilmen Tom Chappell and Frank Jones have both asked to be named to the 
committee. Chappell has expressed his support of the school board and 
Hartsell, while Jones has been among those who have criticized the handling 
of the incident.
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