SCHOOL EMPLOYEE DRUG TESTS ON AGENDA

Idea Surfaces In Wake Of Lee High Principal's Arrest

The Huntsville school board plans to debate the pros and cons of testing
all employees for illegal drugs.

The idea surfaced in the aftermath of the arrest of Dr. Harry Smith, the
former principal of Lee High School. On Feb. 12, Smith resigned two hours
after the sheriff's Vice and Narcotics Unit arrested him for possession of
crack cocaine. He is scheduled to appear in court May 5.

At Thursday's work session, the five board members are expected to review
the merits and drawbacks associated with such options as testing all
current employees, testing only new hires or leaving the policy as is.

While Huntsville schools do not randomly test students, said board
President David Blair, school officials can require a test for an employee
who is suspected of drug abuse. "It is at the discretion of the
superintendent," he said.

"My personal opinion is, it's going to be something along the lines of
drug-testing for people coming into the system, for new hires," said Blair.

After the arrest, school officials met with parents at Lee. Some asked why
employees aren't tested for drugs.

"In those discussions with the community," said Blair, "it came out that
the community wants some kind of drug-testing program in place for
Huntsville schools."

No one, from parents to teachers to Superintendent Ann Roy Moore, reported
any behavior by Smith that would have indicated illegal drug use. In fact,
after the arrest, many parents and students credited Smith with improving
discipline and academics at Lee.

The work session will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Merts Center on White
Street. The board is not expected to vote on a possible drug-testing policy
at that time.