Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2005
Source: New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Herald-Zeitung
Contact:  http://www.herald-zeitung.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3053
Author: Melissa Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PROPOSED DRUG POLICY RECEIVES FIRST LOOK

The New Braunfels Independent School District Board of Trustees 
debated whether a proposed drug policy would hurt the students it was 
designed to help.

The NBISD Board of Trustees heard the first reading the policy in a 
regular meeting Tuesday night.

The policy calls for random drug testing of students in grades 7 
through 12 who participate in school-sponsored extracurricular 
activities or obtain a high school parking permit.

The test results will be used to determine eligibility for 
extracurricular activities and parking privileges.

The first positive test for alcohol or illegal drugs will earn 
students a 30 day suspension from extracurricular competitions and 
parking privileges but allows students to participate in 
extracurricular practices. A second offense mandates suspension from 
extracurricular competitions and parking for one year and restricts 
students from practices. A third offense results in permanent 
suspension from all activities and parking.

Board member Ed Clark questioned the helpfulness of pulling students 
with drug problems out of afterschool activities.

"If we turn around and take a child out of extracurricular 
activities, what motivation do they have to continue their 
education?" board member Ed Clark said.

Clark also raised the question of whether tobacco would be included 
in the test criteria, since like alcohol, tobacco is an illegal 
substance for minors.

"Alcohol is a legal drink for a child if a parent is there with 
them," Clark argued. "If you include one then you have to include the other."

The board will hear the second reading of the policy Wednesday.

In other business, the board heard from teachers about salary 
increase. The board was quick to dispel rumors that some teachers 
would be receiving a 3 percent raise while other would receive 4 
percent, based on subject area.

"We can expel the idea of an unequal percentage raise," Board 
President Jorge Maldonado said.

Further action regarding the raises was postponed pending the outcome 
of today's special legislative session.
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MAP posted-by: Beth