Pubdate: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) Copyright: 2008 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.arizonarepublic.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 Author: Ray Parker Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SCHOOL DRUG TESTS NEED CASH TO CONTINUE Superintendent Camille Casteel plans to meet with her principals for ideas on how to pay to extend random drug testing in Chandler Unified's high schools, which will end in September unless the district picks up the cost. The current program has been funded by a three-year, $784,000 federal grant. More than 2,500 students have been tested for illicit drugs and steroids since January 2006 with a total of 28 testing positive, or about 1 percent. Marijuana was the most common drug detected; no steroids were found. High school students were randomly chosen from a computer program using non-identifiable numbers, which were then matched to names. Students had to be enrolled in activities governed by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, such as sports, band and debate. A positive test meant students were either ineligible to participate for eight weeks or they could choose counseling and be ineligible for four weeks, but could practice. Three out of four chose counseling. In the last school year, 2006-07, here are the numbers from each Chandler Unified School District high school. . Basha: 372 students tested, five positive. . Chandler: 376 tested, four positive. . Highland: 385 tested, five positive. . Perry (opened this school year, 2007-08): So far 93 tested, none positive. The grant money ends in September. Project director Regina Wainwright said the response has been positive from students, "The whole intent has been to prevent and not punish students." - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath