SCHOOL DRUG TESTS NEED CASH TO CONTINUE

Superintendent Camille Casteel plans to meet with her principals for
ideas on how to pay to extend random drug testing in Chandler
Unified's high schools, which will end in September unless the
district picks up the cost.

The current program has been funded by a three-year, $784,000 federal
grant.

More than 2,500 students have been tested for illicit drugs and
steroids since January 2006 with a total of 28 testing positive, or
about 1 percent. Marijuana was the most common drug detected; no
steroids were found.

High school students were randomly chosen from a computer program
using non-identifiable numbers, which were then matched to names.
Students had to be enrolled in activities governed by the Arizona
Interscholastic Association, such as sports, band and debate.

A positive test meant students were either ineligible to participate
for eight weeks or they could choose counseling and be ineligible for
four weeks, but could practice. Three out of four chose counseling.

In the last school year, 2006-07, here are the numbers from each
Chandler Unified School District high school.

. Basha: 372 students tested, five positive.

. Chandler: 376 tested, four positive.

. Highland: 385 tested, five positive.

. Perry (opened this school year, 2007-08): So far 93 tested, none
positive.

The grant money ends in September.

Project director Regina Wainwright said the response has been positive
from students, "The whole intent has been to prevent and not punish
students."