Pubdate: Mon, 01 Mar 2004
Source: Bristol Herald Courier (VA)
Copyright: 2004 Bristol Herald Courier
Contact: http://www.bristolnews.com/contact.html
Website: http://www.bristolnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1211
Author: Diette CourrEGE

BRISTOL VIRGINIA ADOPTS SCHOOL DRUG POLICY

BRISTOL, Va. - After more than four years of talking about a proposed drug 
policy, the School Board finally approved one Monday night.

With one dissenting vote, the board passed a comprehensive drug and alcohol 
policy that includes prevention, intervention and enforcement components.

"Congratulations to all of us," said board Chairman John Kieffer. "The next 
step will be to get it funded, and we'll work on that."

The dissenting vote came from board Vice Chairman Butch Tolley, who said he 
has concerns about how much the program will cost.

"I think there are more feasible ways to address the drug problem," Tolley 
said. "You don't have to implement a $104,000 policy."

Superintendant Frank Finan estimated last month that the program would cost 
more than $104,000 to hire an administrator, a drug and alcohol counselor 
and conduct random drug testing.

Money for the drug policy was not included in Superintendent Frank Finan's 
budget plan for next year.

Although the random drug testing for students participating in 
extracurricular activities only will cost about $6,000 each year, it has 
garnered more attention than other parts of the plan, Kieffer said.

"It has drawn a lot of attention out of proportion to a comprehensive 
approach," he said. "The policy is much, much more than drug testing."

Under the plan, the first time high school and eighth-grade junior varsity 
students test positive for drugs or alcohol will result in a 30-day 
probation period in which they are not allowed to participate in any 
extracurriculars. Students also will be referred to a student assistance 
counselor.

After 30 days, students will be tested again. If the results are positive, 
they will not be able to participate in any extracurriculars for the 
remainder of their school career.

But they can appeal. After 18 months, students may apply to the board for 
reinstatement into extracurricular activities with proof that they no 
longer use drugs and alcohol.

"That preserves hope and gives them something to work at as a goal," 
Kieffer said.

Finan also presented his recommendations for next year's spending plan.

He is asking for an additional $239,193 in local money plus the rising 
costs of health insurance from City Council. The money will be used to fund 
a 2 percent salary increase for teachers and the moving of the program for 
disabled students to a new location.

The 2 percent raise is the lowest Finan has recommended in his tenure. 
Teachers have received a 3 percent raise for the past five years.

"It's low because of the economic conditions," Finan said.

Last year, the board received $8.8 million from City Council, and Finan's 
recommendation would increase the amount to $9 million.

The board will discuss the budget during its March 15 meeting.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom