PANEL DISCUSSES DRUG TESTING FOR ONTARIO SCHOOL STUDENTS

ONTARIO -- Although some community leaders and school officials
agree there's a problem with drugs in Ontario City Schools, they
haven't decided if it's worthwhile to begin random drug testing of students.

Wednesday night, a 14-member panel explored the possibility of
instituting such a policy in the district.

Dr. Diana Richardson, a local pediatrician, said she's concerned
students could be singled out. "To have everyone randomly drug
tested seems like it's going to be very low yield with a lot of
expense and not necessarily any proven outcome," Richardson said. "I
do agree if kids are drug users it would be a good idea to identify them."

She said identifying students could disenfranchise them, leading to
dismissal from teams or clubs and a downward spiral.

"I think almost every effort should be made to keep them on the team
and whatever punitive measures, maybe part of it could be they would
be drug tested before every game," Rich-ardson said. "Some kids are
doing it (drugs) ... so they can be cooler with their friends but
some are doing it as self-medication for depression. Those are the
kids we have to identify because they're the ones who are going to
have other problems."

Businessman and youth coach Brian Gates said student drug testing
could be a deterrent.

"I look at it as does it give my kid a chance to say no because I'm
afraid I might be drug tested?" Gates said. "It's a reason to say no
amongst their peers."

Ontario Councilman Mark Weidemyre said the committee has talked
about expanding the testing to any extra-curricular programs and to
kids parking vehicles on school grounds.

"I think that's an important part. Then we're not just getting the
athletes. Kids typically do things in their car," he said.

School Resource Officer Adam Gongwer said he's issued several
citations this year to Ontario students for use of alcohol and
marijuana on school property.

Ontario coach and teach-er John White said if drug testing of
students saves one life, isn't it worth it?

"Everything keeps pointing back to safety," he said.

Todd Martin, assistant high school principal, said students were
debating the issue of drug testing in the cafeteria Wednesday.

"The reaction was mix-ed," he said.

On March 11, the com-mittee will report findings and recommendations
to the board.

Board president Mary Bennett said a public forum would be next if
the committee deems the issue needs further discussion.

How the program would be funded has not been decided, although panel
members said Superintendent Daryl Hall wants the program to be
self-sufficient.

The committee will meet again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Ontario
Board of Education conference room. The public is invited. Signs
will be posted if the meeting is moved to a bigger room.

Community members who have questions or concerns are encouraged to
call Gongwer at 419-529-3969 (ext. 1412) or Cain at 419-747-7477.