Pubdate: Sat, 19 May 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
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FAIRFIELD REVISES POLICY ON DRUG TESTING

Board: Overall Program First

FAIRFIELD - Random drug testing of student athletes and those 
participating in after-school clubs or activities is on hold in the 
Fairfield City Schools, pending further study.

However, an expanded substance use/abuse policy approved Thursday by 
the Fairfield Board of Education outlines penalties and expectations 
for those students in grades 7-12 who participate in any after-school 
activity. It will be in effect for the upcoming school year.

"We need to build a comprehensive program before we look at random 
drug testing," said Mark Morris, school board president.

Each student and his or her parents are required to sign a form 
pledging the child will abstain from the use of drugs, alcohol and 
tobacco 24/7, 365 days a year. Signing the document, which is 
effective for a full year, is mandatory for participation in all 
extracurricular, school-sponsored activities.

The policy, included in the Student Code of Conduct, is part of a 
comprehensive program still being worked on by district educators 
that includes prevention, intervention and support for students, 
educators said.

"We have a lot of positive things going on in Fairfield," 
Superintendent Robert Farrell said. "But we could do more in parent 
and teacher education to recognize the signs of abuse and the risk factors."

Senior Michelle Weisbrod said high school students don't respond well 
to speakers who talk about drug or alcohol use.

"I think the way you're going to stop it is consequences - and 
enforcing them," Weisbrod said.

Too often in the past, penalties for students caught using illegal 
substances were not imposed, or punishment - when given - varied 
dramatically from building to building or even from coach to coach, 
board members said.

The revised policy and regulations clearly outline consequences for 
using, possessing or selling/distributing illegal substances, and for 
the second and subsequent offenses mandates students receive an 
evaluation and counseling before returning to their sport or club.

On a first violation for possessing or using drugs or alcohol, for 
example, students lose 30 percent of participation in events and 
forfeit any leadership positions for the remainder of the season.

"We'll reassess it after a year," said Morris. I think we might find 
some struggles we'll have to work through and we'll have to see if 
the consequences are appropriate."

Meanwhile, the district will begin in-service training sessions, 
first for coaches and club advisers, eventually spreading to all 
staff and teachers. Parents, too, will be educated.

A one-page, quick-reference sheet has been developed for distribution 
to all participants in extracurricular activities and their parents.

The full policy will be posted on the district's Web site, 
www.fairfieldcityschools.com.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman