Pubdate: Wed, 12 Mar 2008
Source: News-Journal (Mansfield, OH)
Copyright: 2008 News-Journal.
Contact: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2413
Author: Jami Kinton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

ONTARIO SCHOOL BOARD VOTES TO INSTALL RANDOM DRUG TESTING NEXT YEAR

ONTARIO -- All student drivers and those involved in extracurricular 
activities will be subject to random drug testing beginning next school year.

The Ontario Board of Education approved the resolution Tuesday, 
giving the Drug Testing Exploration Committee permission to continue its work.

"It was really nice to hear all the support from the board members," 
substance abuse coordinator Veronica Cain said. "We want to stress 
that the purpose for this testing is not to catch and punish 
students. We want to be a part of the solution. "Ultimately, it will 
still be up to the students and their families to follow through."

Since Dec. 11, Cain said, the committee has looked at the pros and 
cons of drug testing; interviewed parents, students and residents; 
conducted research and talked with other area schools.

"Now we'll be discussing things like how to fund the program, which 
vendor to use, deciding when the students will be tested, how often 
they'll be tested, consequences, things like that," Cain said.

On April 3, Cain said students and parents can attend a presentation 
by a Sports Safe representative, who will answer questions.

The board will meet next at 7 p.m. April 8. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake