Pubdate: Tue, 04 Dec 2001 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Author: Karen Cimino Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) SCHOOLS SALVAGE ATHLETICS DRUG TEST Gaston Board Also Secures New Library Books, Cuts $1 Million GASTONIA -- Gaston County school officials rescued the high school athletics drug-testing program and $100,000 in new library books, as they attempted to balance the district's $202 million budget Monday night. School officials did cut about $1million from the budget. More than $600,000 was saved through retirements and positions that were cut after going unfilled. Unfilled jobs that were cut included an assistant principal position, an instructional specialist position and a special education teacher. Board members also approved a $40,000 cut in travel expenses for district employees. Gaston County Schools have been operating under an interim budget since July as the district waited to hear what effect the state's budget shortfall would have locally. Assistant Superintendent Hilton L'Orange said about three-fourths of the school district's budget comes from the state, which also passed its budget late this year. School officials asked county commissioners for an increase in county funding this year but ended up with the same amount as last year. They said with this, combined with the increase in expenses, it's been a no-frills school year. Monday night, school board members voted 8-0 to approve the final school budget that used $56,000 given to the school district by the Gaston County Police to help save the books and the drug-testing program. The donated money was seized during drug busts and other criminal investigations. Two weeks ago, board members Brenda Hamilton and Jim Davison argued that cutting money for books was a bad idea, and they garnered support from other board members not to approve the cuts. Board member Ruth Angel said the district worked hard to get the drug testing program in place and didn't want to lose it. The program costs about $18,000 a year. It was instituted to deter athletes from using drugs. About 450 students are tested randomly each year for use of alcohol, cocaine and marijuana, but not steroids. School officials spent the past two weeks looking for ways to avoid the cuts. The money from the policy department had not been earmarked, so school officials decided to use it to save the books and the drug-testing program. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager