Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 Source: Athens News, The (OH) Copyright: 2005, Athens News Contact: http://www.athensnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1603 Author: David Kasler Editor's note: David Kasler is a parent of three children being educated in the Alexander Local School District and is current president of the Board. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) ALEXANDER SCHOOL BOARD PLACES SAFETY OF STUDENTS AS ITS HIGHEST PRIORITY As a member of the Alexander Local School Board, and a parent of three children being educated in the district, I feel compelled to defend the decisions of the board and address comments made in recent published articles regarding the adoption of a drug-testing policy in our district. Although I am a current member of the Alexander Local School Board, it would be improper to portray that my opinions regarding these issues represent the feeling of the entire board. I do, however, have the right to explain my personal opinions as a member of the board and a parent. Many accusations made in the local newspapers are unfounded and untrue. What everyone seems to be forgetting in their concern about Fourth Amendment rights is that the sole purpose of this policy is for the safety and health of our children. What possibly can be more important than that? It has been claimed that the board "acted out of either misinformation or hidden agenda" and that "it may have done so in violation of at least two state laws." These accusations are untrue. The policy-making process used at Alexander is identical to the process used by every other school district in the state of Ohio. Mr. Wiley has clearly confused the process that is used by other state agencies with those used by boards of education. The initial discussion of drug testing occurred in the latter part of 2004. In early 2005 a committee was formed to review sample policies. This committee reviewed policies from Nelsonville-York City, Wellston City, and Meigs Local Schools as well as a recommended policy from the Ohio School Boards Association. The policy put forth for board consideration was drafted after these policies with the first reading held in May 2005. Following 30 days of consideration and research by board members, the second reading was held at the June meeting. The vote was taken after unlimited discussion with community members in attendance. The board clearly fulfilled the requirements for setting policy. Mr. Rhyan also claims that drug testing is a "violation of the Fourth Amendment of our Constitution." Following is an excerpt from a report prepared by John P. Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy: "In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court broadened the authority of public schools to test students for illegal drugs. The court ruled to allow random drug tests for all middle and high school students participating in competitive extracurricular activities." There are those, of course, who will represent the high court's decision as a blow against privacy and a victory for "Big Brother." These concerns are largely unfounded, however, and to focus on them is to ignore the enormous potential benefits of drug testing. Already, testing has been shown to be extremely effective at reducing drug use in schools and businesses all over the country. Parents, educators - indeed, anyone concerned about the welfare of our young people - should welcome the high court's action. It's a big step in the right direction, for it gives every school in every city and every town a powerful new tool for controlling one of the worst threats facing kids today. The ruling could not have come at a better time. "Monitoring the Future," a national survey that tracks drug use among America's youth, reports that in 2001 more than half of all students had used illicit drugs by the time they finished high school. Moreover, the 2000 "National Household Survey on Drug Abuse" revealed that of the 4.5 million people age 12 and older who need drug treatment, 23 percent are teenagers. The report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, "What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools," explains that testing can also be an effective way to prevent drug use. "The expectation that they may be randomly tested is enough to make some students stop using drugs - or never start in the first place." The report also states that "while some students resist the idea of drug testing, many endorse it. For one thing, it gives them a good excuse to say 'no' to drugs. Peer pressure among young people can be a powerful and persuasive force. Knowing they may have to submit to a drug test can help kids overcome the pressure to take drugs by giving them a convenient 'out.' This could serve them well in years to come. Students represent the workforce of tomorrow, and eventually many will need to pass a drug test to get a job. It is important to understand that the goal of school-based drug testing is not to punish students who use drugs. Although consequences for illegal use are a part of the testing program - suspension from athletic activity or revoked parking privileges, for example - the primary purpose is to deter use and guide those who test positive into counseling or treatment." In a recent opinion article, Mr. Keiter claims, "We have not seen any evidence that there is a rampant drug problem in the Alexander district." Thankfully, Mr. Keiter is correct. However, to think that we do not have serious issues with drugs and alcohol shows a complete lack of understanding of what is going on in our schools today. One need only listen to the conversations of students on a day after a big party to know the problems are real and exist in our own backyards. Our administrators report that drug incidents are on the rise with incidents occurring every athletic season last year. Mr. Keiter also claims, "The Alexander Board of Education did not offer special classes, speakers or presentations designed to prevent drug use." Having children in the high school and middle school, I am aware of numerous occasions where speakers and presentations were given by a parent and student who have been directly affected by drug or alcohol use. Our district also participates in the DARE educational program, and drug and alcohol studies are part of our health curriculum. In all this discussion about our rights to privacy, I've not seen anyone mention the right of our children to go to school or participate in extra-curricular activities in a drug-free environment, or the right of our children to receive early treatment and counseling for substance-abuse problems. Are we so concerned with our Fourth Amendment rights and invasion of our personal liberties that we fail to take this small step to protect our children? What do we have to hide? What do we have to lose, except perhaps another child to the ravages of alcohol and drug abuse? To me, that is unacceptable. I firmly believe this policy is in the best interest of the students of this district, and that is whom I was elected to serve. Should you wish to review the drug-testing policy of the Alexander Local School District, it is available at www.alexanderschools.org. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth