Pubdate: Tue, 24 May 2005
Source: Gloucester County Times (NJ)
Copyright: 2005 Gloucester County Times
Contact:  http://www.gctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1153
Author: Martin C. Bricketto
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

WT BOE SURVEY QUESTIONS PARENTS ON DRUG TESTING

WASHINGTON TWP. -- The Board of Education is asking parents what they think 
about expanding the district's drug testing policies.

Last week, a random sample of 700 parents from the district's three middle 
schools and high school were sent surveys on the subject.

"We're asking community members what their thoughts are," said Susan 
Reintzel, director of student services.

Under existing policies, the district performs drug tests on students 
suspected of substance abuse and tests athletes at random. One question in 
the survey asks whether the district should also test students involved in 
extra-curricular activities like clubs, according to Reintzel.

Other questions ask parents whether the current policy is sufficient or 
whether it should be scrapped, she said. Survey recipients must respond by 
June 15.

The district's substance abuse task force -- composed of board members, 
administrators, counselors, police and other community members -- has 
recommended investigating an expansion of current testing.

During last week's work session, the board reviewed the survey. Members 
opted to poll 700 parents, rather than lesser numbers also discussed, to 
provide the district with an adequate sampling at a reasonable cost. The 
survey is estimated to cost $518, including postage and a stamped return 
envelope.

At the meeting, board members discussed a gap in district testing 
procedures. While current policy allows the district to test student 
athletes for steroids, that part of the policy is not being enforced 
because of costs, according to district officials.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom