BOE MEMBERS VOICE CONCERN OVER RANDOM DRUG TESTING

HUNTINGTON -- Cabell County Board of Education members expressed
mixed opinions about enforcing random drug testing in schools after
viewing a video segment provided by Superintendent Bill Smith at
Tuesday's regular board meeting.

The video explains the components and legal issues of drug testing by
focusing on a school system that utilizes the program.

"I think it's something we need to explore and take a look at even
though we have a lot on our plate already," Smith said to board members.

After hearing Smith's explanation, board president Ted Barr urged
board members to vote on whether or not they wanted to pursue a
drug-testing program policy for Cabell County Schools.

"I want to pursue this because we definitely have a need for it,"
Barr insisted. "It doesn't matter if we decide to wait and let Mr.
Smith get more information, the question is, 'Do we want to have a
random drug testing program in our school systems or not?'"

Other board members shared concerns including: Will employees be
tested; How much will it cost; What type of training will staff
members have to do; and will law enforcement be involved?

In other business, Rob Kimball from Cox Landing Elementary went
before the board to address the decision to use Cox Landing
Elementary School's gymnasium as storage for the Cammack Middle
School consolidation project.

"It's not only affecting the youth basketball team, but other sports
and activities for kids as well," Kimball said. "There could be other
facilities utilized that wouldn't affect the children."

The board did not take any action on the complaint.

Board members also voted unanimous on it's second reading and
adoption for compulsory student attendance.

They also voted unanimous on its second reading and adoption for
environmental, health and safety policy.