Pubdate: Sat, 27 Mar 2004 Source: Ledger, The (FL) Copyright: 2004 The Ledger Contact: http://www.theledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795 Author: Skip Richey Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n437/a08.html STUDENT-ATHLETE DRUG TESTS I disagree with the policy of random drug testing of student athletes in Polk County schools. I think it discriminates and singles out the student athletes. However, I would support a policy of random drug testing of all students enrolled in Polk County schools. This public hearing and vote March 16 on the proposed policy came as a surprise to me. The topic has been vaguely discussed in the past few years, but the article in The Ledger on March 15 was the first I had heard that the topic seriously being considered. Let's see, in the paper on Monday, and a public hearing and vote on Tuesday. Wow, do we need to be hasty with such an important proposal? The people of Polk County should have ample time to respond and contribute input concerning this decision. I feel that such an important topic and decision needs to be handled with extreme patience and a concern for fairness, not with expedience. I have been with the Polk County school system since 1980. During those 24 years, I have served as a teacher (science, physical education, health-life management, driver education), dean of students and a coach (wrestling, baseball football). While serving the school system in those capacities, I have worked with the entire realm of students in grades K-12. In my opinion, it would be more effective to randomly test the entire population of students than to subject just one segment of the population. I understand it is partially an economic decision, but it still should affect all students, not just a portion of the student population. I am urging the members of the School Board of Polk County, from the standpoint of a parent (I have two children in Polk schools), as an employee and as a member of the community to take their time, and make an informed and educated decision that will equally and fairly affect all students. Skip Richey Lakeland High School, Lakeland - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin