Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jul 2007
Source: Eden Daily News (NC)
Copyright: 2007 Media General
Contact:  http://www.edendailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3223
Author: Heather Smith, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

SCHOOLS OK USE OF DRUG-DETECTING SPRAY

The Rockingham County Board of Education set policy for  using drug 
detecting aerosol spray kits in schools this  fall during its work 
session Monday evening.

The sprays are atomized chemicals that detect drug  residue. If a 
student is suspected of possessing or  using drugs, his belongings 
can be wiped down with a  special pad and sprayed with the chemicals. 
The pad  changes color where drug residue is present.

With this spray, school administrators can determine  what kind of 
drugs are being used and by whom. The  policy emphasized that 
positive results will not lead  immediately to disciplinary action. 
After several  positive test results, administrators will involve  parents.

School administrators will use sprays to counsel  students suspected 
of using drugs, not punish those  caught with drug residue on their belongings.

The board's policy states that only school  administrators, not law 
enforcement officers, will use  the drug detection kits. The sprays 
are meant to deter  students from buying and using drugs, or to stop 
those  who are already users.

The sprays can be used if an administrator has  reasonable suspicion 
that a student has been near  narcotics.

Also discussed:

- - Dr. Jean Bullock-Steverson reviewed miscellaneous  policies 
regarding changing auditors every five years,  deleting duplicate 
policies and revising attendance  policies. Students who miss more 
than the maximum 10  absences may find alternate ways of making up 
class  credit.

- - Linda Pulliam, English department chair at McMichael  High School, 
presented information on senior projects.  The high school has been 
encouraging students to go  beyond expectations while completing the 
paper and  presentation required for graduation.

- - Dr. Terry Smith discussed Early College for High  School. While 
awaiting budget approval, planning for  the 2008-09 school year will 
begin soon.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom