STUDENTS SUPPORT DRUG TESTING

Skeptical parents challenged a random drug testing proposal for
Franklin Central High School at a forum Tuesday night, questioning
whether it would violate student privacy.

Several also said the wrong students would be targeted. Starting next
year, students who participate in volunteer activities would be
eligible for the random saliva tests, which detect six substances. "I
don't think random drug testing will make less drug and alcohol
users," said Brenda Logsdon, 40, who has a son in eighth grade. "I
think it will make smarter drug users."

About 40 people, mostly parents, attended the forum in the auditorium.
Some supported the idea, thanking Principal Kevin Koers for helping
keep tabs on their children.

Under the proposal, nearly one-fourth of Franklin Central's 2,100
students would give saliva samples next year -- in private, Koers said.

The students would seal the vials themselves before the samples are
sent to a lab. Positive results would be retested for accuracy.

The proposal fits Indiana Supreme Court guidelines that only students
who participate in privileged activities can be placed in a random
testing pool.

John and Bonnie Hofer, parents of a sophomore, passed out fliers
opposing the plan. Testing interferes with parents' responsibilities
and could drive students from activities, the flier said.

"I don't know how I truly feel about drug testing," said Rita Kinkoph,
46, the mother of a freshman. She asked Koers several questions about
how it would work, how widespread drug use is and how students would
know they are eligible.

Koers cited surveys of Marion County eighth-graders that showed wide
marijuana and alcohol use. Also, 1,461 Marion County juveniles were
arrested on drug-related charges in 2005.

Programs that urge students to resist peer pressure aren't enough,
Koers said, and the threat of a random test gives them another out. He
stressed that students would not be turned over to police; instead,
the policy would bar them from extracurricular activities or parking
passes for 30 days and require counseling.

After 30 days, they would need to pass a second drug
test.

Midway through the forum, three students left. In the hallway, juniors
Mike Ettner and Tyler Sellas and freshman Whitney Dishman said they
support drug testing.

All would be eligible. They said the principal was right to be
concerned about drug use, and testing would deter it. Besides, said
Mike, 17, peer pressure isn't to blame.

Tyler, 16, interrupted. "It's not like they're forcing you or putting
a gun to your head."