Pubdate: Sun, 02 Jul 2006 Source: Secaucus Reporter (NJ) Copyright: 2006 Secaucus Reporter Contact: http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.asp?brd=1291&nav_sec=68509 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4200 Author: Mark J. Bonamo Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) TESTING 1, 2, 3 Secaucus School System Plans Random Drug Tests Random drug testing of Secaucus students who participate in athletics and other extracurricular activities will begin next school year, according to Board of Education officials. The new policy, which will take effect in September, will apply to students from grades 7 through 12. Students who hold school-parking permits will also be subject to random drug tests. The decision of the Board of Education to institute this policy brings Secaucus in line with a state law enacted in August 2005 during the administration of former Governor Richard Codey and sponsored by State Senator Nicholas Sacco (D - 32nd), whose district includes Secaucus. The law at first was designed to permit schools to adopt a drug testing policy to give random drug tests to student athletes, particularly those who would be participating in games on the championship level in their respective sports. However, before its final adoption, the language of the law was broadened to include other extracurricular activities and holders of parking permits. Secaucus assistant superintendent of schools Ralph Merlo agrees with this wider definition of the law. "We feel that the previous standards were more punitive rather than preventative," he said. "A child may have been on drugs all season long, yet nothing was done to diagnose the problem and help the child along the way back to health. That's why we felt that the way we are going to pursue it is a much better way of doing it." Testing 1, 2, 3 Secaucus school system plans random drug tests By Mark J. Bonamo 07/02/2006 email this storyEmail to a friendpost a commentPost a Commentprinter friendlyPrinter-friendly DRUG TESTING TO BEGIN - All Secaucus students grades 7-12 will be subject to random drug tests starting this fall. Random drug testing of Secaucus students who participate in athletics and other extracurricular activities will begin next school year, according to Board of Education officials. The new policy, which will take effect in September, will apply to students from grades 7 through 12. Students who hold school-parking permits will also be subject to random drug tests. The decision of the Board of Education to institute this policy brings Secaucus in line with a state law enacted in August 2005 during the administration of former Governor Richard Codey and sponsored by State Senator Nicholas Sacco (D - 32nd), whose district includes Secaucus. The law at first was designed to permit schools to adopt a drug testing policy to give random drug tests to student athletes, particularly those who would be participating in games on the championship level in their respective sports. However, before its final adoption, the language of the law was broadened to include other extracurricular activities and holders of parking permits. Secaucus assistant superintendent of schools Ralph Merlo agrees with this wider definition of the law. "We feel that the previous standards were more punitive rather than preventative," he said. "A child may have been on drugs all season long, yet nothing was done to diagnose the problem and help the child along the way back to health. That's why we felt that the way we are going to pursue it is a much better way of doing it." Testing controversial The question of whether random drug testing actually leads to curtailed youth drug abuse is one that has been hotly debated around the country. A 2003 University of Michigan research study concluded that school drug testing did not significantly deter drug use, a finding that led the California State PTA Convention in the same year to reject suspension and expulsion responses to student drug use and instead advocate programs that include prevention, treatment, and education. Merlo maintained that the testing program that will be instituted in Secaucus schools is inherently fair. "The tests will account for just about every student in the school," he said. "Our student body, which numbers about 300 in grades 7 and 8 and approximately 575 in the high school, is very active in extracurricular activities. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of students will be given a urinalysis or breathalyzer test for steroids, illegal substances and alcohol. The students will be selected for testing according to a computer number generated by the company that handles our student records. Parents have the option to volunteer their kids for testing even if they are not involved in after school activities." Secaucus school Superintendent Constantino Scerbo has previously estimated that the district will spend around $10,000 a year of the drug testing program. Most of the money for the tests will be provided by federal grants. Looking around at similar random drug testing programs around the state, Merlo was confident that Secaucus' program would be able to hold up against any legal challenge. "The Hunterndon County central school district has a very similar policy in effect," he said. "Appeals by parents and other organizations failed. Our policy is in line with the law." Punishment or prevention? The state law declares that those who test positive for drug use or refuse to consent to testing will be suspended or prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities. Those with parking permits will have them revoked. Students who test positive will also be referred to counseling and treatment programs. As for Secaucus, the policy options after a student tests positive are not yet firmly in place. "Suspension could be an option, but I couldn't get into the details at this point," Merlo said. "The board should have the regulations in place well before the start of school. However, the board has already approved the policy and is otherwise ready to implement it." Merlo emphasized that the purpose of the new random drug testing program is not meant to be draconian in nature. "We want to provide a positive service for our students," he said. "For any student that may need help concerning drugs, we hope that this will be helpful. We don't want to hurt any students. We want to help them." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D