FAIRFIELD DRUG TEST POLICY READIED

FAIRFIELD - A draft proposal that would allow the Fairfield Schools
to randomly test student athletes and those involved in after-school
activities for illegal drugs will be unveiled Wednesday.

A committee that included parents, coaches, administrators, students
and nurses has been studying policies from other districts and has
been gathering data since the fall.

"It would serve as a deterrent for athletes and those involved in
extracurriculars," said Superintendent Robert Farrell. "It gives them
another reason to say no."

A draft of the policy will be ready for discussion by the school
board at its 5 p.m. meeting Wednesday, in the community room at
Fairfield Senior High School, 8800 Holden Blvd.

The district will compile a list of students in grades 7-12 covered
by the policy. One day every month a specific number of students from
the list would be subject to a drug test.

An outside company would analyze the samples and send results to
school officials. Students would be subject to the testing
year-round, not just during a particular sports season, Farrell said.

Money for the drug tests would come from the school's Drug Free
Schools grant. Depending on the testing firm selected and the tests
required, the cost per test would start at $28 but could go higher,
Farrell said.

Now, student athletes sign an agreement saying they won't use illegal
substances during the season. During the 2005-06 school year, 906
students participated in sports in grades 9-12. The new policy would
include students involved in after-school activities, not just
athletes, Farrell said.

Once the Board of Education comments on the draft, changes could be
made and it could be ready for a first reading at the board's April
19 meeting, with a final draft adopted in May and implementation July 1.