LOCKNEY BOARD TABLES APPEAL DECISION

LOCKNEY -- The school board here met Thursday to discuss a recent ruling by
a federal judge who said its drug testing policy is unconstitutional;
however, the board made no decision on whether to appeal the decision.

After the meeting, which lasted more than two hours and was closed to the
public, Supt. Raymond Lusk referred all questions to the district's
attorney, Don Henslee of Austin.

Henslee said a decision about an appeal may be announced Monday. He would
not discuss why the board is waiting to make a decision.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings ruled in favor of Larry
Tannahill, a parent who sued the Lockney Independent School District,
claiming its mandatory drug testing policy was unconstitutional.

Tannahill refused to allow his son to be tested when the school first began
drug screening students and faculty in February 2000.

The judge's ruling said the drug testing was a violation of the Fourth and
14th Amendments which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Many in this small farming community about 50 miles northeast of Lubbock
have supported the drug policy.

The drug testing policy, which was revised in July after the lawsuit was
filed, called for testing students in seventh through 12th grades. Those
who refused to be tested could not participate in extracurricular activities.