Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 Source: Daily Citizen, The (Dalton, GA) Copyright: Daily Citizen 2004 Contact: http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1929 Author: Shannon Bielcik Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) NEW MURRAY DRUG POLICY GETS AN 'OK' CHATSWORTH - Members of the Murray County Board of Education approved a policy Monday to randomly give drug tests to students involved in extracurricular activities. The board approved superintendent Charlotte Pipkin's recommendation by a 5-1 vote. France Adams, chairman Alan Kendrick, Alan Ridley, Greg Shoemaker and Billy Webb voted in favor of the measure. Faye Brindle voted against it because she is "opposed to some of the penalties." Pat Hooker was not present. In a work session before the meeting, Brindle said that she had a "problem" with the listed policy for a first-time offense. "It's a little harsh, it's setting the kids up for failure," she told other board members, adding that she is concerned about a student being "marked" by not being allowed to participate in school activities. The policy requires a student who tests positive for a first-time offense to be suspended from four consecutive school events, such as games or meets, but they are still allowed to attend practices. The student must also attend a conference with their coach and principal, be evaluated for chemical dependency and be retested before again participating in school events, Pipkin said recently. "They make that decision," Kendrick said in response to Brindle's concerns. "They have to suffer the consequences," he said. But Brindle said she thinks it's a "personal" matter that should be dealt with by coaches, parents and the principal for a first-time offense. "If they choose to take drugs, they need to be responsible for the consequences," said Ridley. "I agree ... but sometimes (kids) do stupid stuff," Brindle said. "Drugs aren't a mistake, it's intentional," said Webb, adding that he doesn't think the policy is harsh enough. Students who test positive a second time are suspended for nine consecutive school events, and if there is a third positive test, the student is excluded from all extracurricular activities for the rest of his or her time at a Murray County school. The board also voted 4-2 that students must pass the state's graduation exam before participating in a graduation ceremony, a policy that will be put into the new student handbook. Kendrick, Ridley, Shoemaker and Webb voted for the policy. Adams and Brindle voted against it. In May, the board voted to let some students walk in the graduation ceremony who had not passed the exam, though the handbook said then they were not allowed. Gary Mealer, principal of Murray County High School, told board members Monday night that the policy is needed because allowing non-passing students to walk is a "discredit to kids who do pass" the graduation test. Mealer said students are given five chances to pass the exam, starting in their junior year, and students who don't pass are given the option to receive free tutoring. Brindle said she thought students might be tempted to go to Whitfield or Dalton City Schools where she said the policy is not in place. "They're not changing (their policy)," she said. Mealer pointed out that the students would still have to meet state requirements to graduate through another school system. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin