Pubdate: Sun, 26 Feb 2006
Source: North County Times (Escondido, CA)
Copyright: 2006 North County Times
Contact:  http://www.nctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080
Note: Gives LTE priority to North San Diego County and Southwest 
Riverside County residents
Author: Rich Alderson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n232/a04.html?294972
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

NCT WRONG ON DRUG TESTING

Recently the NCT published an editorial criticizing the Vista Unified 
School District Board of Trustees for approving a drug-testing 
program for all high students participating in co-curricular 
activities at Vista and Rancho Buena Vista High Schools.

The premise of the editorial opinion was that the students who took 
part in these activities were already safe and secure from drug use 
by their mere participation in these activities. How the Times 
arrived at their opinion is still a mystery. No facts to support 
their opinion were presented, simply a scathing rebuke of the VUSD 
Board for engaging in such an underhanded activity.

In my role as principal of a large comprehensive high school, I 
thought some solid facts regarding the Times editorial might be 
helpful. I feel qualified to speak on this topic given my 34 years in 
public education and 18 years spent coaching at the high school level.

Prior to seeking the federal grant, a pilot program was conducted at 
Rancho Buena Vista High School for over one year. This pilot program 
involved over 120 student-athletes participating in the football 
program (as reported by the NCT reporter Terry Monahan). Parents were 
notified, and every parent granted permission. Not one parent 
resisted or protested the concept; they welcomed the idea of testing.

In over one year, we experienced two positive tests. The 
student-athletes were counseled and provided a second opportunity to 
modify their behavior. No future positive tests occurred, and both 
athletes remained in the program. One athlete dropped out of the 
program because of the testing.

With these results and solid parental support, the district embarked 
on securing the federal grant. To bolster the grant application, 
results from the California Healthy Kid Survey were used to support 
the need for such a testing program. Over 50 percent of the students 
surveyed at both high schools reported some level of drug or alcohol 
use in the past year.

Seventy percent of staff surveyed said that the school did not 
possess the necessary resources to address substance abuse prevention 
needs. Seventy percent of students surveyed said that obtaining 
alcohol or marijuana within the community was very easy.

The survey also indicates that use increases as students get older. 
The high number of students who readily admit drug or alcohol use 
indicates a problem that needs to be addressed. Recognizing the 
tremendous influence that peers can exert on each other, providing 
students with some type of support mechanisms is a prudent and 
reasonable approach to this issue facing our youngsters.

Lastly, assuming for a moment that the Times assertion that VUSD is 
testing mostly innocent kids who would never use drugs is accurate. I 
would maintain that testing any number of innocent students is worth 
the price if we save even one youngster from the horrors of substance 
abuse. That is a small price to pay to save the life of one child.

Our school board members took a strong stance against drug use that 
should be celebrated in our community, not scorned.

Rich Alderson is principal of Rancho Buena Vista High School.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom