FAIRFIELD REVISES POLICY ON DRUG TESTING

Board: Overall Program First

FAIRFIELD - Random drug testing of student athletes and those
participating in after-school clubs or activities is on hold in the
Fairfield City Schools, pending further study.

However, an expanded substance use/abuse policy approved Thursday by
the Fairfield Board of Education outlines penalties and expectations
for those students in grades 7-12 who participate in any after-school
activity. It will be in effect for the upcoming school year.

"We need to build a comprehensive program before we look at random
drug testing," said Mark Morris, school board president.

Each student and his or her parents are required to sign a form
pledging the child will abstain from the use of drugs, alcohol and
tobacco 24/7, 365 days a year. Signing the document, which is
effective for a full year, is mandatory for participation in all
extracurricular, school-sponsored activities.

The policy, included in the Student Code of Conduct, is part of a
comprehensive program still being worked on by district educators
that includes prevention, intervention and support for students,
educators said.

"We have a lot of positive things going on in Fairfield,"
Superintendent Robert Farrell said. "But we could do more in parent
and teacher education to recognize the signs of abuse and the risk factors."

Senior Michelle Weisbrod said high school students don't respond well
to speakers who talk about drug or alcohol use.

"I think the way you're going to stop it is consequences - and
enforcing them," Weisbrod said.

Too often in the past, penalties for students caught using illegal
substances were not imposed, or punishment - when given - varied
dramatically from building to building or even from coach to coach,
board members said.

The revised policy and regulations clearly outline consequences for
using, possessing or selling/distributing illegal substances, and for
the second and subsequent offenses mandates students receive an
evaluation and counseling before returning to their sport or club.

On a first violation for possessing or using drugs or alcohol, for
example, students lose 30 percent of participation in events and
forfeit any leadership positions for the remainder of the season.

"We'll reassess it after a year," said Morris. I think we might find
some struggles we'll have to work through and we'll have to see if
the consequences are appropriate."

Meanwhile, the district will begin in-service training sessions,
first for coaches and club advisers, eventually spreading to all
staff and teachers. Parents, too, will be educated.

A one-page, quick-reference sheet has been developed for distribution
to all participants in extracurricular activities and their parents.

The full policy will be posted on the district's Web site,
www.fairfieldcityschools.com.