Pubdate: Thu, 17 May 2007
Source: Times, The  (Munster IN)
Copyright: 2007 The Munster Times
Contact:  http://www.nwitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/832
Author: Brian Williams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

VALPO SCHOOLS OK DRUG TESTING POLICY

VALPARAISO -- Officials will be able to drug test  Valparaiso High 
School students based on reasonable  suspicion starting in the 
2007-08 school year.

The Valparaiso School Board approved the new policy Tuesday

Reasonable suspicion, according to the revised VHS  student handbook, 
could arise from a number of  indicators. These include physical 
appearance, unusual  behavior, odors or credible information 
communicated to  administrators. The testing might be done with 
either saliva or urine samples.

The district considered a random testing policy,  Assistant 
Superintendent John Hutton said, but decided  against subjecting 
students to stresses related to such  a policy, on top of other 
things they deal with.

Instead, a policy of testing in cases of reasonable  suspicion will 
give students as much opportunity to say  no to drugs as possible, he said.

The policy is the result of a two-year review. The  district retains 
its goal of identifying students who  use drugs and helping them, 
Hutton said. Currently,  only students who have been caught in 
possession of, or  under the influence of, drugs may be subject to 
random  testing.

The district wants to ensure an environment where  students can 
learn, Hutton said.

"We're doing everything we can to keep (drugs) out of  the schools," he said.

In other business, the board appointed James McCall  assistant 
principal at Valparaiso High School. The  current English teacher and 
head girls track coach  moves to the administrative position starting July 1.

He replaces George Gordon, who is retiring.

McCall said his promotion represents not so much a  departure from 
the classroom as a widening of his  responsibilities.

He earned degrees in English from Wabash College and  Purdue 
University Calumet. Earlier this month he earned  a second masters 
and administrative certification from  Ball State University.

McCall, 30, is a 1995 graduate of Crown Point High  School. He is 
married, with two small children.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman