Pubdate: Sun, 18 Nov 2012
Source: Mineral Wells Index (TX)
Copyright: 2012 Mineral Wells Index
Contact:  http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3050
Author: Libby Cluett

DISTRICT LOOKING INTO RANDOM DRUG TESTS FOR SOME STUDENTS

MWISD developing testing policy for students in extracurricular
activities

Mineral Wells ISD trustees gave the district's School Health Advisory
Committee the green light to further develop a student drug testing
policy to potentially implement in the next school year.

Lead Nurse and SHAC Chair Wanda Voelcker informed trustees that
committee members visited with the police chief and drug task force
and believe that adopting a policy to randomly test students involved
in extracurricular activities might help deter some students from
using drugs.

She presented some statistics that indicate a rise in the number of
drug- and alcohol-related issues sending students into the district's
Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.

The SHAC is currently looking at drafting a policy in the spring and
Voelcker told the board Tuesday, "We want your blessing to proceed."

"There have been several conversations since I got here for the need
to help our kids stay off drugs," MWISD Superintendent Gail Haterius
told the Index Friday.

She said SHAC did some preliminary and secondary research before
presenting to the board to ask if they should move forward on this.

Keller ISD is currently serving as a model for the district's policy
research, Voelcker informed the board.

"We're looking at it as a deterrent to help kids stay off drugs,"
Haterius said, adding that Keller ISD's program has deterred students
from drugs.

Haterius said they are looking at contracting a third party to not
only collect the samples, but to randomly select students, most likely
with a computer.

She said they are looking at a nine-panel test, which includes
substances like marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines,
cocaine, benzodiazepine and some prescription drugs, according to a
private drug screening company, where the test costs around $40 for
the collection and lab fee.

"If a child fails it one time, they would be on [the list for testing
again] the next time," Haterius said, adding, "In that regard it would
not be random."

But Haterius said students who test positive can go through a
counseling program.

"It's very much to help, not be punitive," she said.

Voelcker told trustees that, if intervention is needed, SHAC will
receive assistance from Addiction Recovery Ministries. She said,
though the purpose of the program is about "prevention versus
intervention."

Initially, those subject to controlled-substance screenings would
include Mineral Wells Junior High or Mineral Wells High School
students engaged in "any extracurricular activity," Haterius said, "or
if they park a vehicle on school property."

In addition, she said SHAC is looking at allowing parents to opt in if
their child doesn't fall into any of the categories.

Voelcker told trustees the purpose of the policy is not only to deter
student from using drugs, but it's also health related, to "prevent
illness, injury or harm."

In the spring the committee will conduct meetings to survey students
and the public. At these meetings, they will also answer questions.

Then the MWISD school board will approve the policy next spring.
However, the drug testing program would not begin until the start of
next school year in August.

"If it gives one student a reason to stay in sports or choir then I
agree," said Vice President Scott Aaron.

The board approved SHAC moving forward on the drug-testing policy.
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MAP posted-by: Matt