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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin