Pubdate: Tue, 13 Dec 2011
Source: Pantagraph, The  (Bloomington, IL)
Copyright: 2011 Pantagraph Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.pantagraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/643
Author: Phyllis Coulter

BLUE RIDGE SCHOOLS EYEING RANDOM DRUG TESTS FOR STUDENTS

FARMER CITY -- The Blue Ridge school board will consider implementing 
random drug testing as a way to keep students from making "unhealthy choices."

A policy could be adopted as soon as Jan. 18. The board meets at 6 
Wednesday night to discuss proposed building construction; the 
regular meeting follows at 7 at the high school library, 411 N. John St.

The drug test option arose after discussion about use and misuse of 
legal and illegal drugs in the area.

"The behaviors were alarming enough, it was clear that some students 
were making unhealthy choices, and it had to be addressed," said 
Superintendent Susan Wilson.

The goal is to prevent drug use; give students an "out" when friends 
try to get them to use substances; and give parents the information 
needed to seek treatment for their child if they test positive, she said.

The policy is based on one started in 2007 at Gibson 
City-Melvin-Sibley and a similar one adopted the same year by 
Fieldcrest (Minonk).

"We hear from kids that it is a deterrent," Superintendent Josh Olsen 
said, although the program was cut for a couple of years to save money.

Students who test positive are excluded from extracurricular 
activities and may be suspended. A drug evaluation and treatment 
program is available.

Bloomington District 87, McLean County Unit 5 (Normal) and Olympia 
(Stanford) don't use random tests, but instead use programs set up 
for larger populations, officials said.

Lexington, Tri-Valley (Downs) and University (Normal) randomly test 
at sports tournaments as required by the Illinois High School Association.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom