MADISON STUDENTS MAY SEE DRUG TESTS

The Madison County School District is considering random drug testing of
students involved in extra-curricular activities.

If adopted, the district would become only the third in the state to
approve such a policy.

Superintendent Michael Kent said a committee of high school principals and
student council presidents are working to formulate a proposal to present
to the board.

"The Supreme Court ruled a few months ago that it was, in fact, within the
purview of school districts to do this ... we have considered it for the
past three or four years, but the Supreme Court decision galvanized (the
board) to move forward," Kent said.

The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision, which was handed down in June, allows
schools to issue random drug tests to students involved in extracurricular
activities like band, choir and the debate team. The decision refers to
testing as a "safety and health" issue.

In Mississippi, the Clinton and Tupelo school districts perform random testing.

A time frame for formal action for the Madison district has not been set,
but Kent said the committee has met twice.

"The board intends to have a policy as soon as possible, but again, there
are a great many details to be worked out," he added.

All students who participate in after-class activities, ranging from sports
to band to the Spanish Club, will be affected by the policy. Students would
be tested not only randomly, but also if they are found exhibiting
suspicious behavior.

The cost is estimated at between $30 to $50 per drug test.

The goal is to prevent drug use, not just catch users, said Jay Reeves,
principal at Madison Central High School.

"It will give students a reason to ... not get involved in drugs," he said.

Reeves said he believes the district will have a good policy, but he has
mixed emotions.

"My only concern is what are we going to do with a student if they have a
positive test? We have to make sure it's fair to the students and everyone
involved," Reeves said.

Fairness is only one concern for the ACLU. Executive Director Gail Chadwick
said random drug tests are generally ineffective in combating drug use and
the tests are not completely reliable.

"The ACLU thinks this is a bad idea," she said. "It makes children guinea
pigs in the war on drugs."

The ACLU supports drug testing professional athletes and others who are in
career categories where drug use would be dangerous, she said. "But joining
the choir or debate team hardly raises sufficient concern, enough to
justify a drug test."

Amy MacNeill, who has a son in sports at Ridgeland High, disagrees.

"I am all for it," she said. "It might help the kids in the long run."