Pubdate: Tue, 02 Aug 2005
Source: Enterprise-Journal, The (MS)
Copyright: 2005 The Enterprise-Journal
Contact:  http://www.enterprise-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/917
Author: Dave Parker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

AMITE DRUG POLICY AMENDED

Some Suspended, Expelled Students Will Be Tested

LIBERTY - Amite County seventh-to 12th-graders who are suspended or 
expelled from school for more than 10 days will now be required to take a 
drug test before being allowed to return to school.

Amite School District trustees on Monday amended the drug policy adopted in 
June to include the mandatory testing of students who receive out-of-school 
suspension or who have been expelled.

In June, trustees adopted a drug policy subjecting students in grades 7 
through 12 who participate in extracurricular activities to drug testing. 
Football players underwent drug tests on Monday during their physicals.

"This is a protection for them, not us. It's not for all students. We can't 
afford to have all the students tested," said Superintendent Charles Kirkfield.

"They don't have to take a drug test. They can refuse the test - but then 
they'd have to come before the board."

Trustees Jimmy Burns, Frances Washington, James Copeland and Greg Knight 
voted to amend the policy. Trustee John C. Davis did not vote.

"Not all kids are on drugs at this school," Davis said. "I'm looking out 
for the kids."

In another move, trustees voted 5-0 to hire Dywanna Bates as a long-term 
substitute, Rashida Woods as a staffer at the Gloster computer center and 
Caroline McKeown as a special education teacher. Trustees also approved the 
hiring of 10 America Reads tutors.

The first day of school for students is Friday. Teachers report back to 
work today.
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MAP posted-by: Beth