SCHOOL: PARENTS BACK DRUG TESTING

The principal at Bishop Kelley High School says feedback on a plan to
drug test all students has been positive.

Bishop Kelley High School Principal Alan Weyland said he has received
only support and positive feedback since the school announced its
decision to drug test the entire student body beginning this fall.

"It's all been positive from what I deal with -- tremendous support
from parents," Weyland said Friday. "I can't tell you that every
student, staff and faculty member is happy about it, but it's hard for
them to say anything."

He said parents had an opportunity to attend forums -- three in the
fall and three more general meetings last spring -- that addressed the
issue.

"There hasn't been shock and surprise in our community," he
said.

Private schools have more ability to test their students for drugs
than do public schools, because attendance is a choice. Attendance at
Bishop Kelley is a privilege, not a right, Weyland said.

Cascia Hall, the other Catholic high school in Tulsa, got advance
notice of Bishop Kelley's new policy, said Rev. Bernard Scianna,
headmaster of the school.

Scianna said students at Cascia are not tested for drugs, but a
committee may be formed to examine the issue.

"It's kind of one of those ongoing topics you need to look at from
time to time," he said. "In light of what's going on at Bishop Kelley,
to decide what the next step for Cascia will be, using some of the
resources from Bishop Kelley."

Scianna said it is important to have input from students, staff,
administration and parents when trying to make policy.

The decision was made to announce the policy at Bishop Kelley this
week because enrollment for the fall is starting, and Weyland said he
wanted to make sure parents and students were fully aware of the
policy, which will add a $60 drug test fee to tuition for next year.

Each of the approximately 900 students enrolled at the school will be
subject to hair testing for drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and
heroin.

A 1-1/2-inch length of hair the thickness of a shoelace tip will
provide a look at the student's drug use for the past several months,
according to a "Frequently Asked Questions" document sent home to
parents with a letter Jan. 30.

Students who test positive will be "strongly encouraged" to get help,
Weyland said.

Those who test positive a second time will be asked to leave the
school, he said.

At Metro Christian Academy, Headmaster Tim Cameron said a drug-free
atmosphere is nearly guaranteed.

"We try to back up with credence that we have a drug-free school. We
have all our parents and students sign for permission to drug test,
and every month we do random testing," Cameron said.

Cameron said in addition to random urinalysis testing, students who
are suspected of alcohol or drug use also are tested.

"We don't want to create a Gestapo-style environment -- we don't just
yank someone in on a whim, but if we have reliable sources," then
testing is done, he said.

Holland Hall tests students only when evidence or observations of
alcohol or drug use prompt a screening by a school-approved facility,
said Mercedes Milberry, spokeswoman for the school.

Shelly Hickman, spokes woman for the Oklahoma State Department of
Education, said there are no state laws or regulations on drug testing
at schools. The standard for public schools is the Fourth Amendment,
she said.

She cited a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court as guiding the actions of
all public schools with regard to drug testing policies.

In 2002, the court ruled on a student drug testing case that came out
of a district in Pottawatomie County. In the opinion of the court,
delivered by Justice Clarence Thomas, the right of the school district
to test students in extracurricular activities for drugs is
constitutional.

Sam Herriman, principal at Owasso High School, said the school
randomly tests students in extracurricular activities. "Then as far as
the general student population, not unless we have reasonable
suspicion," he said.