Pubdate: Sun 02 Apr 2006
Source: Marshall News Messenger, The (TX)
Copyright: 2006 Cox Texas Newspapers, L.P.
Contact:  http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3870
Author: Robin Y. Richardson, News Messenger
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PUBLIC HEARING ON DRUG TESTING POLICY SET FOR TUESDAY  IN JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON -- If approved, student drivers will not  only need a 
parking sticker next year, but also a drug  test, according to 
Jefferson Independent School  District's drug testing proposal.

"We're proposing to institute a drug testing program  for students 
who want to participate in extracurricular  activities or drive a 
vehicle to school," said  superintendent Richard Cook. "We've never 
had a drug testing program at Jefferson."

The district will host a public forum Tuesday at 7 p.m.  to discuss 
the district's proposal. The meeting will be  in the board room at 
the district's central office,  1600 MLK Drive.

"It's a safety and welfare issue," Cook said of the  proposal. "It'll 
make our campus safer."

Board president Ricky Harrington agrees. He said  providing an 
education in a drug-free environment will  prevent injuries and 
altercations caused by being on  drugs.

"Maybe it will deter some kids hopefully if they think  about doing 
that," he said.

The board president noted the district has had one or  two drug 
incidents "like anyone else, but we want to be  proactive from stopping it."

Cook estimates approximately 80 percent of the student  body will be 
drug tested. This includes students  involved in all extracurricular 
activities such as  band, cheerleading, student council, UIL academic 
teams, dance, drill teams, sports and other activities.

Harrington thinks it is good that student drivers will  also have to 
be tested because "if they're using drugs,  they're endangering 
themselves and everyone that  drives."

This will also be the first time football players will  be tested. 
Harrington admits he was shocked the  district did not have a program 
in place before, but he  is glad they are headed in that direction now.

"It's a great idea," he said. "Mr. Cook is bringing  some new ideas."

Cook said after the initial test, students will be  tested randomly.

"It's gotten to the point in society that it's worth  having a test 
just as a deterrent if nothing else," he  said.

"We're in the 21st century. We can't be oblivious to  that fact," 
added Harrington.

The program will cost the school between $10,000 and  $12,000. The 
drug testing company, Southwest Consortium  of San Angelo, will be 
available Tuesday night for  questions.

Harrington said hopefully by the board's June meeting,  the program 
will be approved. Since the program is new,  he said they will take 
their time making sure it is  implemented right and all concerns are addressed.

"If we don't get it done by August, we'll move it  back," he said. 
"It'll be a big step."

He encourages the public to attend Tuesday night's meeting.

"It's going to be a first," he said. "I know they're  interested. If 
they have concerns I hope they come and  voice their concerns, 
support or opinions. We welcome  it anytime."

If approved, information about the program will be sent  home to 
parents along with routine documents like the  Student Code of Conduct.

"We don't want to surprise anyone," Harrington said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman