DRUG TESTING HELPS KEEP KIDS CLEAN, SHOULD CONTINUE

If the random drug-testing program in Enid is allowed to expire due to
lack of funding, it will be one less defensive measure to help keep
kids away from drugs and alcohol.

The random drug-testing program was started three years ago with a
local grant and has continued through a federal grant. The testing
program was controversial at first; however, school officials believe
it has met its objectives in providing some students just one more
reason to say no to drugs or alcohol.

Many complain the drug-testing policy isn't fair because it only
targets students who participate in extra-curricular activities. That
boundary, however, is set by federal law because extra-curricular
activities are optional while mandatory school attendance is not.

The district has tested about 70 to 80 students a month from Enid High
School and the three junior high schools. During the last three years,
anywhere from nine to 21 of the students tested positive.

We know the pressures students are faced with when they get to junior
high and high school. Some students have tighter parental boundaries
than others. Many students just don't have much parental supervision.
Having this kind of policy in place helps students say no to drugs or
alcohol because they don't want to lose their spot on an athletic team
or not be able to participate in a program or activity they enjoy.

The federal grant is up, and the district has to wait at least one
year to apply for another grant. We do hope someone steps in during
this "off " year and helps fund at least a scaled-back version of drug
testing until the district can reapply for funding.

This is a policy that certainly hasn't hurt the students or the
learning process, but it is definitely one that can be a help. For
that reason, we would like to see it continued in Enid.