SCHOOLS TO EXPAND STUDENT DRUG-TESTING

HARTSELLE -- Hartselle's school board has expanded its student
drug-testing program to reach younger students.

The voluntary program, already in use in high school, beginning next
month will include sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

A U.S. Department of Education grant pays for the program called
Project Independent Decision. Hartselle has partnered with the
Morgan County Substance Network and Calhoun Community College's
nursing division for the testing.

Hartselle began drug testing in 2002. Unlike Hartselle's regular
drug-testing program, the school system will not discipline students
who test positive.

Students who test drug free will receive a picture identification
card that allows them to get discounts in some area businesses and
restaurants.

"This has been going on several years in Decatur and has worked
great," said board member Greg Cain, who also is a school resource
officer for Decatur schools.