Pubdate: Wed, 20 Aug 2003
Source: Observer-Reporter (PA)
Copyright: 2003 The Observer Publishing Co
Contact:  http://www.observer-reporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1264
Author: Scott Beveridge
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PROS, CONS-TITUTIONALITY OF STUDENT DRUG TESTING

BENTLEYVILLE - Bentworth School District is considering joining the
ranks of public schools with student drug testing policies.

The school board will seek input from other districts with such
policies, including Canon-McMillan and Seneca Valley in Butler County.

"It's in the very preliminary stages," board President John Petrisek
said at a meeting Monday. "We're looking at the pros and cons."

Bentworth solicitor Matt Hoffman on Monday provided board members with
legal options on enacting such a policy, discussing recent federal and
state lawsuits questioning the constitutionality.

He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that districts can test
student athletes and those involved in school-sponsored clubs with an
specific interest in deterring drug use. At the same time, he said
Pennsylvania Supreme Court is hearing an appeal of a Commonwealth
Court decision that ruled student drug testing a violation of the
state constitution.

If the higher state court rules the tests unconstitutional, Bentworth
would not be able to enact the policy, said district Superintendent
Thomas Turnbaugh.

He said Bentworth is not pursuing the policy with the belief that the
district's drug situation is worse than other schools.

"All districts have students who use drugs, some more or less
depending on who you talk to," Turnbaugh said.

In October 2002, Canon-McMillan began random drug testing of students
who drive to school or participate in extracurricular activities. Some
parents in that district later complained about the policy.

Burgettstown Area School District, meanwhile, has been testing student
drivers and athletes for years.

Bentworth would include parents in discussions about a drug policy.
Public hearings also would be scheduled if the board opts to consider
the matter, Turnbaugh said.

He said there is a trend among school officials to believe that drug
testing creates a more "positive atmosphere" on school campuses.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin