Pubdate: Thu, 27 Dec 2007
Source: Wellington Daily News (KS)
Copyright: 2007 Wellington Daily News
Contact:  http://www.wgtndailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3541
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG TEST POLICY

After months of debate and discussion, USD No. 353 Wellington made 
it's first school drug testing policy a reality.

On Thursday, Aug. 9, members of the school board unanimously passed 
the current policy with a 6-0 vote.

Debate on who would be tested, how, how often, and what would be 
tested for was up in the air, but after two poorly attended public 
meetings were held, the school board came to their decision.

School board President David Peck said there was little opposion to 
the testing policy, seeing as it has already been established at 
other schools around Kanas including El Dorado. He said students and 
parents openly welcomed the policy as an extra way to keep everyone safe.

Concerns on how the students would be picked randomly, violations of 
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), 
possible litigation for false positive results, and the effect it 
would have on the children were all brought up to the board.

"Drug testing doesn't result in a drug-free school," said retired 
Highway Patrol Officer Ed Amrein.

The drug testing policy tests all students who are in 
extra-curricular activities at the Wellington High chool and also 
those who get parking permits.  Students are chosen at random and 
tested for 12 major drugs including anabolic steroids, marijuana, and 
methamphetamines. A student could also be tested if it is belived 
they came to school under the influence.

The original plan didn't include parking, Peck said, but because 
there was no way to discipline those students who weren't in 
extracurricular activities, parking was brought up as an option. Peck 
said there was "overwhelming support" for parking and the suggestion 
came outside the committee and from the public.

Dr. Steve Hawks, of the drug testing board, said the policy wasn't 
put in place to be punitive, but is as leniant as possible and 
includes as much help for the student as possible.

"There's a drug problem in Wellington...and it seemed like a good 
plan," said Hawks of the policy. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake