Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jun 2005
Source: Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News (NY)
Copyright: 2005 Johnson Newspaper Corp.
Contact: http://www.ogd.com/letter.htm
Website: http://www.ogd.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/689
Author: Matthew Curatolo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

RANDOM DRUG TESTING EYED BY SCHOOL BOARD

The random drug testing of students at Ogdensburg Free Academy could
be a possibility in the near future if accepted by the Board of Education.

Superintendent William Flynn said Monday night that a health agency in
Jefferson County has offered the district a grant that would pay for
the random drug testing of students at OFA.

"It is something that has been offered to us," said Flynn.

He added that the grant is brand new and that there is currently very
little information known about the agency as well as the grant.

As far as he knows, it would not cost the school district any
money.

"Anything that is a deterrent should be pursued," said board member
Joe Harrison.

The board asked Flynn to see if any other school districts in the
county or surrounding counties have been a part of the drug-testing
program.

The superintendent said that counseling would be included in the
program that would also be paid for.

"The counseling component is big, it's not just identification," he
said.

Flynn said that as far as he knows, the district can legally test its
students for drugs. If the Board of Education sought the grant, a
school policy would have to be developed and adopted, Flynn added.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin