Pubdate: Wed, 19 May 2004
Source: Lake Houston Sun (TX)
Copyright: Lake Houston Sun 2004
Contact:  http://www.LakeHoustonSun.com
Address: 1136 Sheldon Road, Channelview, TX 77530
Fax: 281-860-5332
Author: David Taylor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

HISD EYES NEW DRUG POLICY CHANGE

In an effort to curb any temptation and prevent widespread use of drugs on 
their campuses, a committee has recommended the implementation of a 
drug-testing policy in Huffman Independent School District.

In April, a committee consisting of parents, students, board members, 
coaches, sponsors and administrators met to hammer out a proposed policy 
dealing with drug-testing.

"We've identified some problems with drug use and alcohol abuse," said 
Myers. "It's prevalent in our society and we don't want to be naive enough 
to believe that it doesn't affect us," he said.

The panel hopes that a pro-active stance, supported by the community, will 
prevent students from making bad decisions.

In short, the policy calls for the random testing of students in grades 
7-12 who participate in extracurricular activities or who drive a vehicle 
on campus.

Myers said he hoped that the board and community would support the 
implementation of the new policy for the 2004-2005 school year.

Prior to taking any further action, however, Myers announced that the 
community would have input on the language of the policy with community forums.

"The purpose of the forums is to get the information out to the parents and 
community members and allow their input into the process," he said.

At the forums, the public will be presented with the proposed policy, the 
program, and invited to offer their constructive ideas.

The forums are open to the public. There will be experts from various 
related fields that will be able to answer questions from the community.

Myers said that the technical part of the program, like how the testing 
will be done, how the students will be selected and more, would be 
discussed at the meetings.

The public will have two opportunities to speak out. The first forum will 
be May 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Copeland Cafeteria.

The second and final meeting will be June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the I. T. May 
Community Center.

If there are any further questions, you can call Myers at the 
administration office 281-324-1871.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager