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.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager