Pubdate: Tue, 16 Jan 2001 Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS) Copyright: 2001 The Topeka Capital-Journal Contact: 616 S.E. Jefferson, Topeka, Kansas 66607 Website: http://cjonline.com/ Author: Christie Appelhanz Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) SILVER LAKE BOARD REJECTS DRUG TESTING SILVER LAKE -- The Silver Lake school board decided Monday it won't pursue a policy that would require students to undergo random drug tests to participate in extracurricular activities. Silver Lake Unified School District 372 board members began discussing the policy after maintenance workers this summer discovered four hypodermic needles while power spraying the boys' locker room at the high school. The needles were turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and tested positive for steroids. Mary Christoph, a parent of several student athletes, spoke in opposition of the policy on Monday, saying she didn't "feel an intrusion into our children's privacy is warranted." She said many parents agreed but were reluctant to speak out because they didn't want to appear as if they condoned the drug activity. The draft policy called for seventh-to 12th-grade students to enroll in a drug-testing pool within the first week of school in order to participate in activities for which they don't receive a grade. Steve Pegram, superintendent of USD 372, recommended the board not approve the policy because the district doesn't have a widespread drug problem and the policy lacks community support. He said testing for steroids -- the item that sparked the random drug-testing discussion in the first place -- would cost too much. Only four Kansas districts have random drug-testing policies -- Columbus USD 493, Holcomb USD 363, Bluestem USD 205 and Caldwell USD 360. The board also Monday: Approved a class-size/caseload policy for exceptional students. Accepted the resignation of Bill Biller as a part-time custodian. He will continue to work ball games and coach track. Approved the employment of Ryan Freed for the position of assistant high school play director. Appointed Debbie Kelly, Nancy Desch and Erin Dieker for two-year terms to the high school site council and Ken Rahjes and Diane Herrmann to the elementary site council for two-year terms. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager