VISD DOES NOT TEST FOR STEROIDS

Cost the Biggest Factor in Testing

Victoria school district has a drug-testing policy, but it does not
include testing for steroids.

Cost is the biggest obstacle.

The cost of a single steroids test can range from $80 to over $200,
said Ramiro Rubio, the emergency operations director.

"We don't do the steroids test," Rubio said, explaining the
district's new policy, which was implemented in August. "We
implemented a random drug test for students in grades six through 12.
If they are participating in a UIL sport or the band or mariachis or
the National Honor Society or drive a car on the campus, then the
parent has to sign a consent form for them to participate and they
are on the wheel (list) included in the random drug tests."

Random drug tests are carried out once a month on 80 students from
the two Memorial High School campuses and on 33 middle school
students from the three middle schools.

The cost for each test is $15.45.

The company contracted to do the testing - Forward Edge Inc. of
Pasadena, arrives on campus with a list of names randomly generated
by a computer and students are called from classes to be tested.

Larry Hirt, the VISD athletic director, said the district studied a
variety of proposals for a steroids test but felt the costs were
prohibitive.

"Very few high schools that I know have a steroids testing program
because the cost is prohibitive," he said. "I know there has been
discussion in the state legislature and the UIL on mandating a test
but they start to back off when they see how much it is going to
cost the school district.

"The cost is staggering and state is not going to pay for it so I
don't see them mandating that to us," Hirt added. "We would like to
have a deterrent for kids to say 'no.' It's not like we wouldn't
necessarily like to do it but cost is a major factor in why it's not
done."

Hirt said he believes a test for steroids would be an important
deterrent.

"I wouldn't oppose it," he said. "Most coaches don't object to it. We
want our kids to be drug free. We're not against it. We're trying to
give kids the right opportunity to do the right thing. Once drug
testing starts, positive tests decline.

"Kids start to realize that a positive test could jeopardize whatever
extracurricular activities they are doing," Hirt added. "Any reason
to say no is a good thing. Anything that gets them by peer pressure
is a good thing. It's a deterrent and we don't want kids to get
mixed up in that culture."

Rubio, who handles everything from tobacco to drug testing and school
safety issues, said he believes the VISD policy has been successful.
He expects the school board to request a report on the first year at
the end of the school year.

"Under program we have now, it's working out pretty good," he said.
"We had a meeting with parents at the community center and explained
the policy. Some parents called and requested that their children be
put on the wheel - the list for the random drug tests - and we did
that. If their child's name is randomly selected, then they pay for
it.

"Some wanted their child tested on the next test and they were
willing pay for it," Rubio added. "We agreed to that and they did
have them tested and we gave them the results. It's their preference.
Some have concerns about their children and they want to stay ahead
of time."

For students who test positive, the first offense requires a 21-day
suspension from extracurricular activities, drug counseling and
monthly drug test paid for by their parents. The second offense
results in a 90-day suspension, more counseling and continued
monthly drug test paid for by their parents. The third offense,
results in suspension for the rest of the student's school career.

The VISD policy is explained at the district's Web site at
www.visd.com, To read it, click on VISD board policies, then click on
students' rights and responsibilities: interrogations and searches.