DRUG-TESTING FORUM PROVIDES ANSWERS

School Board Receives Offer Of Free Legal Advice

BAY MINETTE -- Baldwin County Board of Education members got plenty of
answers to their questions on implementing a student drug-testing policy
during a Thursday night forum, including an offer of free legal advice.

David Evans, executive director of the Drug Free School Coalition, briefed
board members for more than an hour an the legal challenges of randomly
testing students and the benefits of such a program. Evans, who has gone up
against the American Civil Liberties Union to defend student-testing, said
he would provide legal advice free if the system moved forward with setting
up a policy.

"Right now, student drug testing -- as far as legal risk -- I would put way
on the side of being safe."

Baldwin schools officials have been debating launching a systemwide
drug-testing policy for students for several years. This year's budget
includes $50,000 set aside for a pilot program, but board members have
delayed any action, citing the need for more information. Assistant
Superintendent Terry Knight organized Thursday's forum for that reason.

"The law is what decides how these programs are set-up," Evans said to
board members and a handful of system officials. No parents or students
attended the meeting.

Because students are required to attend school, not every one can be
legally tested, he said. Participation in extracurricular activities is
voluntary, however, and those students are eligible for random screening.

"We want kids to make that decision," Evans said to concerns that testing
would affect participation in sports and other activities. "We want them to
say, 'Am I going to be on the football team, or am I going to smoke that
joint.'"

James Jeffers, superintendent of Tallassee City Schools near Montgomery,
said his system tests seventh through 12th-grade students.

"(The students) like it because it takes the monkey off their back," he
said, explaining that it gives them a good reason to turn down peer pressure.

Although Evans said schools can choose what extracurricular activities they
want to be susceptible to testing, Baldwin Superintendent Faron Hollinger
said he leans toward opening a program to as many students as possible.
Past board discussion has included athletes, music programs, school clubs
such as Spanish Club and even those who drive to school.

"I think the more broad we can be without isolating a small group would
certainly be to our benefit," he said.

Beyond Thursday's meeting, Knight said the board has no immediate plans on
moving forward with a policy, but Hollinger said Evans and others offered
information on testing procedures and costs the board needed.

"They're giving us practical insight on how to implement the program," he said.