ONTARIO SCHOOL BOARD VOTES TO INSTALL RANDOM DRUG TESTING NEXT YEAR

ONTARIO -- All student drivers and those involved in extracurricular
activities will be subject to random drug testing beginning next school year.

The Ontario Board of Education approved the resolution Tuesday,
giving the Drug Testing Exploration Committee permission to continue its work.

"It was really nice to hear all the support from the board members,"
substance abuse coordinator Veronica Cain said. "We want to stress
that the purpose for this testing is not to catch and punish
students. We want to be a part of the solution. "Ultimately, it will
still be up to the students and their families to follow through."

Since Dec. 11, Cain said, the committee has looked at the pros and
cons of drug testing; interviewed parents, students and residents;
conducted research and talked with other area schools.

"Now we'll be discussing things like how to fund the program, which
vendor to use, deciding when the students will be tested, how often
they'll be tested, consequences, things like that," Cain said.

On April 3, Cain said students and parents can attend a presentation
by a Sports Safe representative, who will answer questions.

The board will meet next at 7 p.m. April 8.