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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth