Pubdate: Tue, 03 Apr 2007 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer (OH) Copyright: 2007 The Cincinnati Enquirer Contact: http://enquirer.com/editor/letters.html Website: http://enquirer.com/today/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/86 Author: Sue Kiesewetter, Enquirer Contributor FAIRFIELD DRUG TEST POLICY READIED FAIRFIELD - A draft proposal that would allow the Fairfield Schools to randomly test student athletes and those involved in after-school activities for illegal drugs will be unveiled Wednesday. A committee that included parents, coaches, administrators, students and nurses has been studying policies from other districts and has been gathering data since the fall. "It would serve as a deterrent for athletes and those involved in extracurriculars," said Superintendent Robert Farrell. "It gives them another reason to say no." A draft of the policy will be ready for discussion by the school board at its 5 p.m. meeting Wednesday, in the community room at Fairfield Senior High School, 8800 Holden Blvd. The district will compile a list of students in grades 7-12 covered by the policy. One day every month a specific number of students from the list would be subject to a drug test. An outside company would analyze the samples and send results to school officials. Students would be subject to the testing year-round, not just during a particular sports season, Farrell said. Money for the drug tests would come from the school's Drug Free Schools grant. Depending on the testing firm selected and the tests required, the cost per test would start at $28 but could go higher, Farrell said. Now, student athletes sign an agreement saying they won't use illegal substances during the season. During the 2005-06 school year, 906 students participated in sports in grades 9-12. The new policy would include students involved in after-school activities, not just athletes, Farrell said. Once the Board of Education comments on the draft, changes could be made and it could be ready for a first reading at the board's April 19 meeting, with a final draft adopted in May and implementation July 1. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine