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."