Pubdate: Sat, 01 Aug 2009
Source: Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Copyright: 2009 Jackson Citizen Patriot
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/jacitpat/letters/index.ssf
Website: http://www.mlive.com/jackson/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1190
Author: Claire Cummings

DRUG CODE TO REMAIN SPORTS-ONLY

A committee developing a voluntary drug-testing program for Jackson 
Public Schools had hoped to extend the athletic code of conduct on 
drug and alcohol use to any student who participates in high school 
extracurricular activities.

But the district plans to propose keeping that code to athletics for 
now, said Ben Pack, assistant superintendent for human resources and 
secondary curriculum.

A board policy on the new voluntary drug testing program for Jackson 
students will be considered Monday by the school board.

Pack said Friday it was difficult to define what constitutes an 
extracurricular because some groups don't have regular meetings or seasons.

The district could consider extending the policy in the future, he said.

The school board voted in April to make testing voluntary for all 
students instead of mandated for athletics, vocal music and band.

The handbook states that student-athletes who use, sell or possess 
alcohol, tobacco, steroids and other controlled substances lose 
eligibility for a third of a season on the first violation.

But the committee will recommend that students who volunteer to be 
tested be given a ``step zero.'' The first time they test positive, 
they would not be punished and would be asked to attend counseling.

``We didn't want it to be punitive if you're volunteering to be 
tested,'' Pack said.

A second positive would be punishable by suspension for a third of 
the season. A third positive test would force a student to miss one 
calendar year, and a fourth would ban a student from any extracurriculars.

The urine test would look for prescription and street drugs, such as 
marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines, but not 
performance-enhancing substances.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart