Pubdate: Thu, 22 Aug 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Dr. Terry Fiddler
Note: Dr. Terry Fiddler is president of the Conway School District's Board 
of Education. The following is the prepared statement he read prior to the 
board voting Tuesday on random drug testing for students in extracurricular 
activities

MANY SIDES TO DRUG TESTING

Following several public meetings in 2001 and many individual group 
meetings, the Conway Board of Education voted to adopt a drug testing 
policy. Within a short period of time, it was learned that the U. S. 
Supreme Court was considering the constitutionality of testing students 
involved in extracurricular activities in schools.

Therefore the board decided to postpone the activation of the policy until 
the constitutionality issue was decided This summer the court's ruling 
allowed the testing of individual students in a random manner.

The board, at this time, looked again to the proposed policy and felt that 
it wasn't specific enough for the district's needs.

With leadership from our new superintendent James Simmons, administrators, 
teachers, individuals from our community and board members, a new, 
more-encompassing policy has been written.

This has not been a knee-jerk reaction based on whims of only a few. The 
countless hours of writing, rewriting and scratching heads has been taken 
on for one reason -- to do what is best for our kids.

This situation has evoked highly charged emotions both pro and con. 
Individuals have brought petitions and shared their personal opinions. Many 
have presented documentation from professional and educational authorities 
who have cited a lack of research to determine if testing works. Others 
point out that drug testing has worked in their districts and cite the ease 
of application and apparent low positive numbers to be found over time in 
their testing.

We have heard anecdotal accounts of people who have been saved from future 
drug use because of intervention after having tested positive in 
drug-testing programs. Members of the board have been approached by parents 
who have told us that their children have a drug problem and fear that they 
will opt out of extracurricular activities to avoid drug testing. These 
parents have cited research that indicates that participation in 
extracurricular activities is a deterrent to drug use.

What if testing pushes students away from activities into further drug 
involvement? On the other hand, we have parents who want all students, 
whether involved in extracurricular activities or not, to be tested to be 
sure their children are not taking drugs.

These diametrically opposed reactions to drug testing are valid -- personal 
opinion is based on individual differences in experiences, ideologies, 
values and expectations. It is left to the board to take emotion out of 
this issue and come to a rational decision to meet our district's needs.

Many questions have been answered to the individual board member's 
satisfaction concerning the drug-testing policy.

There are, however, numerous questions remaining.

We continue to be unsure of the cost due to the large number of students to 
be tested, although any cost is feasible if it will deter drug usage among 
our students.

The board is comfortable with the validity of the tests although we would 
prefer a broader spectrum testing, such as steroids, but that is cost 
prohibitive. The board is adamant that the patrons of the Conway School 
District understand no individual, groups or representatives of groups 
drove or pushed this board to take a position.

It is noted that many have been helpful in providing information concerning 
drug testing and the varying perspectives and insights are greatly 
appreciated. Taking all of this into consideration, the board is in an 
evolving process of attempting to arrive at a solution that will be most 
beneficial for our students.

We know we have a drug problem.

Anyone who believes that we do not are sadly mistaken.

We have been told that this is a problem that should be addressed by 
parents, not the school.

We, in theory, couldn't agree more. However, the problem continues to escalate.

The board is now researching counseling programs to serve as prevention or 
intervention. We want to try to give kids more confidence to avoid drug use 
by providing information to them as they begin school and throughout their 
public education comprehensive awareness program.

There are many questions remaining at this time and the possibility of 
other effective programs will be investigated. We are now going to take a 
vote to decide if we will have testing beginning this year. We know our 
decision will please some, displease others, but we as a board have to 
reach a degree of certainty that what we are doing for our children is in 
their best interest.

We urge all parents to get involved in your children's lives.

Knowing where your kids are and what they are doing is a critical factor in 
drug prevention. Encourage them to participate in extracurricular school 
and in positive social activities away from school.

As parents, be there to observe and participate in your children's lives.

They deserve it.

We have a top-notch educational system.

Let's work together to continue the search for the optimal ways of reaching 
all students in the Conway School District.
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MAP posted-by: Beth