SCHOOLS DEFEND DRUG POLICIES

Grant CO. Driver Evidently Slipped Past Random Tests

A Grant County school bus driver, had illegal drugs in her system
after the bus she was driving crashed, doctors said. A Grant County
bus driver involved in a crash that injured 17 students apparently
managed to slip though a random drug-testing system similar to those
in place in other area school districts.

Doctors found cocaine, marijuana and several prescription drugs in
her system after a Jan. 17 accident that sent two middle school
students to the hospital and injured 15 others. She was indicted
Wednesday on several counts that included assault, wanton
endangerment and possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and
drug paraphernalia.

The school bus driver was arrested on Jan. 25 and remains in the
Grant County jail. She faces up to 50 years in prison.

But several area school districts -- including Fayette, Franklin,
Bourbon and Madison counties -- think their own drug-testing
procedures ensure that an incident like the one in Grant County, in
which the bus driver's bus crossed U.S. 25 near Dry Ridge and struck
a utility pole, is unlikely to occur.

"We would be extremely surprised if that happened," said John Kiser,
Fayette County Schools Director of Transportation. "Even though we're
looking very closely for anything like that."

Fayette County requires drivers to submit to a vehicle and criminal
background check, a physical, drug and alcohol screenings, and a
psychological screening by a licensed psychologist.

The psychology test checks to see if an applicant is honest, is a
risk taker or has a propensity toward drug use.

"We want to be able to determine ... whether they are suited to drive
a school bus," said Kiser. "We can predict, with a high probability
of accuracy, what the individual is going to be like as an employee
based on these psychological evaluations."

Fayette County has about 200 bus drivers. About half are randomly
tested every year, with tests conducted every quarter.

In Franklin County, school bus drivers also have to pass a physical
and drug test. Out of 100 bus drivers, roughly 70 percent are
randomly tested for drug use each year. Drivers can be selected
multiple times and are tested every time they are chosen, said
spokesman Wayne Dominick.

In the past five years, three drivers have failed drug tests, he said.

Madison County Schools, which has about about 240 bus drivers,
administers 15 random tests a month, said Patricia Hoskins, assistant
director of transportation.

In addition to a random drug-testing policy, Bourbon County Schools
does not allow drivers to operate a bus if they are taking certain
prescribed medication. Superintendent Lana Fryman said the district
had to put one driver on leave because the driver was taking
prescribed drugs, but no drivers have been dismissed for using
illegal drugs as far as she could recall.

In a letter sent to parents of students in Grant County in January,
the district said its policy requires drug testing prior to
employment and random testing throughout each school year. At least
50 percent of the district's 48 bus drivers are tested annually, said
spokeswoman Nancy Howe.

Howe declined to say whether the district has dismissed any other bus
driver for drug-related problems. She referred questions about the
bus driver's employment to the school district's attorney, Don Ruberg.

Ruberg could not be reached for comment.

The bus driver was employed with the district starting August 2004.
She was dismissed on Feb. 5, Howe said.

One of the students involved in the Grant County accidents,
12-year-old Cody Shively, remained hospitalized yesterday.

Another student, Jacob Clise, 14, spent 11 days in the hospital. He
has a scar that runs from the middle of his forehead to his left eye
and four titanium plates in his head. The tip of his nose, which was
broken, was cut off and he is missing part of his left eyelid.

The families of at least two students have filed lawsuits against the
school district and others.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.