HIGH SCHOOLS REJECT DRUG TESTING PLAN

A proposal to conduct random drug tests on Mount Shasta High School
athletes, pep squad members and student body officers is being set
aside in favor of a more comprehensive program.

The committee formed to study the stand alone drug testing plan voted
7-0 against it on Monday, then voted 7-0 to develop a program that
could include education, prevention and intervention components, in
addition to the possibility of including testing.

A similar committee at Weed High School is also heading in the same
direction and is studying how a more comprehensive program could be
instituted along with drug testing.

Random drug testing with an oral swab was proposed last year by Mount
Shasta principal Jim Cox and Weed principal Mike Matheson. After
several public hearings, committees to study the issue were formed
that included teachers, parents, students and the principals.

The original testing plan would include members of the target groups
selected at random and tested with an oral swab for amphetamines,
cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates, PCP and THC, the active ingredient
in marijuana. Alcohol would not be tested as it does not stay in the
system long enough.

Proposals for consequences of failing the test were: a two week
suspension from the team for a first positive test result, followed by
suspension for the season for a second positive result and a high
school career suspension for a third positive.

Opponents to the program cite violation of 4th Amendment
Constitutional rights of probable cause, that removing students from
the teams is counterproductive, that the program unfairly singled out
a limited group of students and does not include alcohol.

Proponents say the program would offer students an opportunity to say
no to drugs and could head off potentially serious drug problems.

The more comprehensive program now being suggested at Mount Shasta
High would be designed to reach all students throughout their high
school careers, would include a district commitment, coordination with
Sisson School, a health class dealing with the issue, peer support
with training, Friday Night Live alcohol free student events,
counseling, community expert speakers, exploring grants to fund
programs, coordination with WHS, use of drug probationers as speakers,
a teen center, parental involvement and community support.

Discussions before the vote, which included members of the public,
centered around whether testing is effective in deterring drug use and
statements that alcohol is a much bigger problem that the testing does
not address.

Committee member and MSHS teacher Greg Eastman said he had talked with
five athletic directors who used drug testing.

"Not one would say that drug testing lowered use based on surveys. Not
one," Eastman said. "They did say drug use was lower on the team
because kids were removed from the team."

Eastman was opposed to the testing saying, "We need to send a better
message to students. We need to tell them our real concern isn't
testing, but keeping you."

Citizen Sandy Collings cited a study of 72,000 students published in
the Journal of Health that concluded testing did not deter drug use.

"It's the only scientifically valid study," Collings
said.

Principal Jim Cox, however, said data can be found to "support either
side."

"Midwest schools have reported a 50 percent drop in use with drug
testing," Cox said.

Weed committee member Anne Hinchcliff said she could not find a
scientific study that said drug testing lowered use.

"There is no data that shows it works and I've been looking for it,"
Hinchcliff said.

Several people voiced opinions that drug testing would only increase
alcohol use to avoid failing the test.

A citizen, who said he was a long term resident, said his main concern
was alcohol.

"I've seen one or two deaths every year from alcohol," he
said.

Hinchcliff said alcohol is "over and above the biggest problem we
face."

"It's a huge pink elephant sitting in the middle of the room,"
Hinchcliff said.

MSHS student and committee member Libby Grace also said alcohol was
the larger problem.

"If it's a question on money for a program, alcohol should be the
focus," Grace said.

MSHS athletic director Joe Blevins, who is a member of the committee,
arrived late to the meeting after the vote and voiced his
disagreement.

"I'm not in favor of a broad program," Blevins said. "We need one that
deals with our athletes."

Cox said he would take the suggestions for a comprehensive program to
staff and students for input.