Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Copyright: 2007 Journal Sentinel Inc. Contact: http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/submit.asp Website: http://www.jsonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265 Author: Amy Hetzner and Dan Benson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DISTRICTS PONDER RANDOM DRUG TESTS Cedarburg, Hamilton Might Join Pewaukee In Testing Students Nearly five years after the U.S. Supreme Court gave the green light to random drug testing of students in extracurricular activities, two local school districts are exploring whether to take advantage of it. The Hamilton School Board has a study session scheduled this month to discuss the matter with its attorney. Meanwhile, Cedarburg High School is gauging support, mailing a survey today to about 1,200 district households to ask parents what they think of the idea. "It's part of our continuing effort to keep our School District environment drug-free," Cedarburg School Board President John Pendergast said. "We're just looking at different ways to be diligent to be looking for and reacting to any kind of drug use that might be going on, on district property." The U.S. Supreme Court upheld random drug testing of students involved in athletics and extracurricular activities in June 2002. Previously, tests had been allowed only for students in sports. But few Wisconsin districts so far have embraced such tactics, which critics dismiss as ineffective in preventing drug use. An exception, the Pewaukee School District, started testing high school students in sports and activities at the rate of 100 a year. Cedarburg would likely model its program on that district's, Cedarburg High School Principal Robert Kobylski said. Kobylski said the school would follow up its survey with parent forums and focus groups before instituting the program, possibly as early as fall. Although Cedarburg officials seem enthusiastic about the prospect of testing students for drugs, those in the Hamilton district are viewing the issue with caution. The idea first arose last year when some parents approached the high school principal about it, Hamilton district spokeswoman Denise Dorn Lindberg said. The high school set up a committee to explore the matter further, and the board will discuss it at a meeting scheduled for March 14. It would be a serious step for a district with a traditional focus on prevention activities, Hamilton Superintendent Kathleen Cooke said. "I'm very concerned about the significance of asking parents and children to give up their Fourth Amendment rights," she said. "As we weigh this decision, we need to determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs, and I don't just mean financially." But finances are an issue, too. If the district decides to pay for testing students for alcohol and other drugs, it might have to reduce other programs, she said. Outside funds help pay for a counselor specializing in drug and alcohol issues. That counselor, Kristin Hasbrook, said she sees something positive in random drug testing. "The one plus side that I can really see to it is many students can use it as a way to say 'No,' " she said. "That gives them an option not to drink in addition to all the reasons they know they shouldn't. I think to some students, that would be really beneficial." - --- MAP posted-by: Derek