Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Greenwood Commonwealth (MS)
Copyright: 2005 Greenwood Commonwealth
Contact:  http://www.gwcommonwealth.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1541
Author: Kyle Martin

MORE SCHOOLS LOOKING AT DRUG TESTING POLICY

There are still two months to go before a student drug-testing policy
is released for approval to the Greenwood School Board and its attorneys.

"This is more of a preventive measure than anything else. We are aware
of everyone's rights, and we will not be in violation of anyone's
rights. But we do have some law to back us up," said Margaret Clark,
president of the board.

At this month's meeting, the board granted Dr. Les Daniels,
superintendent, permission to begin researching its policy.

Daniels said Thursday it was too early to release any information
about the policy for "public scrutiny."

There are fewer than 10 school districts out of 152 in Mississippi
that have a student drug-testing policy, according to Caron Blanton,
public relations director of the Mississippi Department of Education.

"It is not mandatory that schools provide student drug testing. But
we've found that there are a lot more schools researching a policy,"
Blanton said.

Howard Hollins, superintendent of the West Tallahatchie County School
District, said a drug-testing policy has yet to be discussed in his
district, but he anticipates one soon.

"Because drugs are so prevalent, it's going to be hard to say if it's
the best deterrent. The best would be parent knowledge," Hollins said.

Privacy issues are not a concern for Hollins. "I don't even consider
that. If that person has something illegal in them, they should take
responsibility. There's no decent argument against it but the cost,"
he said.

Francine Jefferson, executive director of Lexington-based Citizens for
Quality Education, said teachers should be tested along with the students.

"I think it's an invasion of privacy. It doesn't work as a deterrent
of drug use. Drug testing gives the belief that the students are
guilty already," said Jefferson.

Pillow Academy has had a student drug testing policy for 10
years.

Russell Robertson,headmaster, said the cost rose from $25 for urine
testing, to $50 for hair testing. The cost is covered by tuition.

The academy moved to hair testing because urine can only hold traces
of drugs for three weeks, whereas hair holds traces for 60 to 90 days,
Robertson said.

"I think it's a positive thing for us. To me, it's an idea of keeping
children safe," Robertson said.

Testing at Pillow Academy is random, and conducted by Mississippi
Health Services two or three times a year. Robertson said the testing
is for the "Big Five," which are marijuana, opiates, cocaine,
amphetamines and a hallucinogenic, TCP.

The school assigns numbers to each student, and the testing agency
picks the numbers at random.

"The agency doesn't even see names. It's not even a personal process.
It's very confidential," said Robertson.

The first positive test result receives no punitive action, but the
parent is notified. After the second, the student must be
professionally evaluated and complete a rehabilitative program. The
student faces expulsion after a third positive.

Robertson said both Pillow and parents have the right to know what
happens off campus.

"I feel this has merit because it allows parents to be informed.
Parents have a right to invade the privacy of their children. Anything
that keeps a child safe is worthwhile."

Humphreys County has had a drug testing policy for eight years.
Superintendent Joyce McNair said it is to ensure a safe
environment.

"I don't see it as an invasion of privacy, but as ensuring their
safety. We don't want children dying because of an addiction," McNair
said. The district pays for the testing.

Sgt. Lee Taylor with the Greenwood Police Department said the most
common drugs in Greenwood are cocaine and marijuana. Taylor said there
has not been a significant increase in users or dealers.

"Drugs are an ongoing problem in every community. We have a narcotics
unit that is working on combating this problem every day," he said.

Anything to deter drug use, including a student drug-testing policy,
will help, Taylor said.

Larry Griggs, Greenwood fire chief, has a daughter at Greenwood High
School. As a parent, Griggs said he doesn't have a problem with the
testing.

"We don't need (drugs) in the schools. If it were, it wouldn't be the
kind of environment conducive to learning. I think that the child's
focus should be on creating a good future that's free of drugs," he
said. 
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