Pubdate: Tue, 17 May 2005
Source: Enid News & Eagle (OK)
Copyright: Enid News & Eagle 2005
Contact:  http://www.enidnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2012
Author: Tippi Rasp
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

EPS BOARD OKS DRUG TESTING POLICY

Enid Public Schools board members approved a drug testing policy with
a few changes and no public opposition during a public meeting Monday.

Members of the committee that developed the drug testing policy were
on hand and helped fine tune wording before board members unanimously
approved the policy.

The policy includes the frequency random tests can be conducted and
the time period and other restrictions permitted for first, second and
third offenses during the same school year.

The policy governs tobacco, alcohol, illegal and performance-enhancing
drug use by students participating in extracurricular activities,
according to the policy.

Students can be tested up to 12 times per year. Punishment for a
positive drug test results in suspension from participation in all
scheduled games, competitions, performances or scrimmages for 20, 40
or 88 days. The first and second offense suspensions (20 or 40 days)
are subject to reduction if the student adheres to certain conditions,
including substance abuse counseling. The third offense -- an 88-day
suspension -- requires the student's suspension in all activities,
including meetings, practices, performances and competition and may
carry over to the next school year.

The district cannot require students to take counseling,
superintendent Kem Keithly said, but a student's suspension for first
and second offenses can be reduced by agreeing to and following
through with counseling.

The new policy is meant to deter students, not punish them for using
drugs, said board president David Meara.

The drug testing policy will affect students in the eighth through
12th grades who want to participate in extracurricular activities.
Drug testing cannot be administered to the entire student body because
student attendance is compulsory. However, extracurricular activities
are considered a privilege, therefore those students may be tested.

The policy this year is being funded by a $25,000 donation to the
district from the Champlin Foundation.

The board also approved a new policy setting guidelines for
fund-raising raffles. When the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act became
effective, provisions of that bill allowed certain organizations
affiliated with schools accredited by the state Department of
Education to legally conduct raffles.

Administrators presented regulations governing the games of chance.
All organizations raising money through a raffle for the benefit of
the district or any of its clubs must follow the guidelines.

In other business, the board approved:

* A contract for independent auditing services for review of
financial transactions for the 2005 fiscal year.

* The treasurer's report.

* Temporary appropriations.

* An agreement with University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
for placement of nursing students in Enid Public Schools for practical
experience.

The board also approved personnel items, including the retirements
of:

* Sheila Fest, second grade, McKinley Elementary School. Fest has
taught for the last 35 years at McKinley.

* J. Dade Maloney, history and American government, Emerson Junior
High School. Maloney taught 27 years and 21 at Enid Public Schools.

* Brenda Wright, fourth grade, Monroe Elementary School. She has
taught 29 years and 20 at Monroe.

The board also approved the resignations of Cynthia Donaldson, special
education at Enid High School; Natalia Ohnesorge, special education at
Adams Elementary School; and Dianna Waldie, second grade at Garfield
Elementary School. The board voted to hire Dudley Darrow, math at
Emerson; and Phyllis Wright, math at Enid High. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake