Pubdate: Mon, 22 May 2006 Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2006 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Contact: http://www.heraldtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/398 Author: Robert Windom Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n643/a09.html ALL SCHOOLS SHOULD TEST FOR DRUGS I read the May 17 article "Schools expand drug testing." I am surprised this testing has not been done before, and that students are not to be tested. I have been on the board of the Sarasota Military Academy since its inception more than four years ago. Two and a half years ago our students requested the administration to conduct random drug and alcohol testing on all students on a continuing basis. The administration and faculty agreed, and added themselves to the procedure. Since the onset seven students have tested positive, were referred for treatment and then returned to classes. Only one has been dismissed. Why cannot all schools do this? We are a public high school, open to any student in the area. Our students are no different from any other in the Sarasota school system. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that when testing is to be a requirement of hiring personnel that such an individual usually can easily pass, for she/he is smart enough to prepare properly before the test is offered. Only when random testing is done throughout each year will the guilty person be detected. If that person fails the first course of treatment, she/he is dismissed from the school, or employment is terminated. As responsible adults who have gone through life free of drug/alcohol abuse, I believe it is our responsibility to make every effort to prevent others from acquiring such bad habits. The time to start is in the maturing stages of life, to prevent the bad habit from developing in the first place. If this is not done, each of us knows the havoc that can occur and the adverse effect on the life and safety of an individual. I hope the leaders of our school district, the parents and students of each high school will adopt a drug/alcohol free environment. What better step is there for one to remain safe, and to be healthy throughout life! Dr. Robert E. Windom Sarasota - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman