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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin