RSS OFFICIAL SAYS RANDOM DRUG TESTS WORKING

Student drug testing programs that started in the Rowan-Salisbury
School System last year show encouraging results, according to Tim
Smith, Rowan-Salisbury's director of student services.

"Thus far this year we've tested a total of 127 children and we've
only had one positive," Smith said in an update to the Board of
Education on Monday. Last year, the system tested 288 students and 10
of those tests were positive. "I think it shows some positive results.
It must be acting as a deterrent; it's dropping and that's our whole
goal," Smith said. The drug testing program is largely based on
driving privileges. Students must submit to random drug testing to
obtain a permit to park on any Rowan-Salisbury high school campus.

The lone positive result was one of 12 students tested at East Rowan
High School. All other high schools have tested 20 or more students.
Smith said East Rowan's total number of tests fell below other schools
because data for November wasn't available yet.

The school system uses a 10-panel drug screen test that costs $35 per
student. The hourly on-site charge to administer those tests is $40.
So far this year, the system has spent almost $3,000 on the 117 tests
administered.

Smith said the system will also use the 10-panel tests for allied
health students. Students in those programs have to be drug tested to
go into hospitals and nursing homes.

Last year, allied health used a swab-based drug test. School board
members voted last year to use only one type of test systemwide.

Also during Monday's board meeting: * Board members unanimously
approved naming the county's anticipated early college high school
Rowan County Early College.

School officials are in the planning stages right now, but the early
college is expected to open on the campus of Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College in August of 2008.

* The board got a report from Dixon Hughes, which audited the school
system's financial statements for the last fiscal year. The school
system earned mostly glowing reviews.

Upcoming board subcommittee meetings are: * Curriculum and
Instruction, Dec. 5, 3:45 p.m., Long Street school offices. * Budget
and Finance, Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m., Rowan County Youth Services Bureau. *
Building and Grounds, Dec. 13, 3 p.m., Ellis Street Annex. *
Personnel, Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Ellis Street Annex.