Pubdate: Thu, 21 Oct 2004
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2004 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Bill Kramer, The Oklahoman
Note: Contributing - Sarah Kahne
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG SCREENS CONSIDERED FOR STUDENTS IN PIEDMONT

PIEDMONT - School Superintendent Mike Hyatt says random drug testing for 
Piedmont students who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular 
activities is worth the cost if it prevents students from getting hooked 
for life. Hyatt said he hopes the school board will approve a screening 
policy similar to the one adopted earlier this month by the Yukon School 
District.

If the proposal is adopted, students who participate in activities such as 
athletics, music and cheerleading will be subject to random testing. A 
written policy and contract proposal could be presented to the board by the 
Nov. 8 regular meeting, Hyatt said.

Costs would be about $11 per test, or $8,000 to $10,000 per school year, he 
said.

"I feel like this is a minimal amount to help us prevent kids from using 
drugs," Hyatt said. "This is not intended to catch kids and punish kids. 
"It's another avenue for kids to say no. For borderline or casual users, 
it's another reason not to submit to peer pressure."

At its Oct. 11 meeting, the school board listened to a presentation from 
Compliance Resource Group of Oklahoma City, which screens students in Yukon.

Hyatt said school officials first considered student drug testing last 
summer because of concerns expressed by community members.

"We felt like the time is right," Hyatt said. "It's not that we've had any 
major instances at school, but we've had concerns about actions parents 
hear about on weekends."

In Yukon, parents are contacted if their child tests positive. The student 
is suspended from school activities for 10 days and must complete four 
hours of counseling before returning to the activity.

The student then is required to submit a urine sample each month for the 
remainder of the school year. If the student tests positive for drugs, the 
student is suspended from after-school activities for a minimum of 88 days.

Contributing: Sarah Kahne
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