Pubdate: Tue, 17 Oct 2006
Source: Register-Herald, The (Beckley, WV)
Copyright: 2006 The Register-Herald
Contact:  http://www.register-herald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441

TEST THEM

Public School Teachers, Administrators Should Have Random Drug Screenings

The weekend arrest in Charleston of an elementary  school principal 
for alleged cocaine possession has  triggered discussion for 
implementing random drug  testing for public school teachers and 
principals in  the state's most populous county.

We think it would be a great idea if it were to become  mandatory statewide.

Student safety must be the driving force behind the  operation of our 
schools, and when you have teachers  and/or administrators who are 
abusing drugs, you just  don't have any level of comfort.

Besides the safety issue, what kind of example is being  placed in 
front of our students by personnel -- whom  they are told to learn 
from, respect and hold up as  role models -- who are breaking the law?

The vast majority of our state's teachers and  administrators are 
super people doing a tough, and  oftentimes thankless, job. But we 
can guarantee you  there isn't a school system in our state that can 
boast a drug-free workforce.

In fact, virtually no workplace can lay claim to being  drug-free. 
Yes, there are a few, but the number is  minuscule when you look at 
the big picture.

However, when you are talking about the kids, public  schools and 
public employees, the stakes are much  higher.

Leaders of both of West Virginia's largest teacher  unions, the West 
Virginia Federation of Teachers and  West Virginia Education 
Association, are voicing strong  opposition to random drug testing.

The terms "invasion of privacy" and "too expensive" are  quick to 
come out of their mouths. They say it's such a  "small percentage" of 
personnel who are doing it.

Any percentage is too large, in our opinion.

School bus drivers are required to take a drug test  when they are 
initially hired, and they are subject to  random, quarterly screenings as well.

School officials have the right to require drug testing  for other 
personnel if they have "reason to suspect" a  problem, but random 
tests aren't dictated.

The same policy needs to apply to all school personnel  when it comes 
to drug testing and it should be the  policy which is currently 
governing the bus drivers.

Too much is hanging in the balance not to institute  stricter rules.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine