Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2008 Source: Navasota Examiner (TX) Copyright: 2008 The Navasota Examiner Contact: http://www.navasotaexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3052 Author: Dave Kucifer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) BOARD PONDERS RANDOM DRUG TESTING Over 75 parents, students, members of the medical field, law enforcement community and other interested parties, along with some Navasota ISD personnel, turned out Monday night to voice their support for a drug testing program for NISD students involved in extracurricular activities. The special NISD Board of Trustee workshop session in the high school library featured a presentation by Allyson Collins, Senior Attorney for the Texas Association of School Boards who discussed the process of the testing procedures and just which students can be randomly tested and how the test can be administered. Prior to hearing for Collins the board took comments from the audience, all of whom favored a drug-testing program for Navasota students. The board heard from several parents and community members as well as from Dr. C.H. Prihoda, Grimes County Child Welfare chairperson Beth Downing and Justice of the Peace, Pct 1, John LeFore. Dr. Prihoda encouraged the board to give serious consideration to implementing a comprehensive testing plan, saying it is necessary if students involved in drugs are to receive help. Mrs. Downing also asked the board to find funds for the program and cited recent drug related arrests as indications of drug problem. "Part of providing a quality education is providing a safe environment for students. A drug testing program would go a long way in making Navasota campus' safer," she said. LeFore, long an advocate of drug testing in schools said he deals with student drug offenders on a regular basis. "If the school had a testing plan in place some of the students who come before him might be helped through treatment," LeFore said. The JP went to say the abuse of prescription drugs is increasing, presenting another problem. "We have to do something to bring things into order," he said. In making her presentation, concerning the legal issues of student drug testing, Collins said existing laws would only allow mandatory random drug testing of student athletes and for students in all extracurricular activities, not an entire student body. Other students can be tested if it is suspicion-based. According to the material distributed by Collins a drug test is a search and rules for a lawful search must be followed. According to information furnished by Collins testing cost would be between $10 and $50 dollars depending on the drugs tested for. Testing for steroids would be an additional $100-$150. While the district would have to find funds to implement a testing program they were told grants were available. After hearing the comments and presentation Board president Bob Blalock explained the meeting was a workshop and not action would be taken. "We appreciate the interest shown. We'll take what we've heard tonight and work on developing a program for the NISD," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom