Source: Bristol Herald Courier (VA)
Copyright: Bristol Herald Courier 2000
Contact: http://www.bristolnews.com/contact.html
Address: 320 Morrison Blvd. Bristol VA 24201
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Forum http://www.bristolnews.com/letters/index.htm
Author: Rick Wagner

AM ADOPTION OF DRUG-TEST PLAN DELAYED

School Board Members Question Need To Include Caffeine On List

BLOUNTVILLE _ Sullivan County school leaders delayed adoption of a
drug-testing policy for student athletes Monday night, questioning
the need to test for caffeine and ambiguity about who would be
tested. Director of Schools John O'Dell earlier indicated that the
Board of Education would vote on the draft policy, to be implemented
in the fall. But he recommended delaying it after questions from
board members and board attorney Pat Hull.

O'Dell instructed his staff to begin studying a drug-testing program
after parents from East High School requested one in August.

``It's got caffeine listed,'' board member Sherry Grubb of Bluff City
said of the policy. ``To me, that's a concern since I'm a coffee
drinker.''

O'Dell responded that he did not realize caffeine - a common
substance in coffee, soft drinks and tea - was included.

Caffeine is listed in the policy under ``miscellaneous central
nervous system stimulants'' among drugs the draft policy says ``are
considered to be inappropriate for use without medical prescription
and others that are illegal.''

The list also includes cocaine, heroin, marijuana, anabolic steroids,
alcohol and diuretics. Grubb said students must be notified of foods
and prescription drugs that could mimic illegal drugs so they could
notify the school system when tested.

O'Dell said that student athletes would be tested at the beginning of
each season, at least once a year, and then random tests would be
given throughout the school year.

Testing the estimated 1,000 student athletes in the four high schools
would cost at least $20,000 a year. However, he said to save money
the school system could do random testing, which is what is done in
Bristol Tennessee.

Board member Larry Harris asked who would be considered athletes
under the draft proposal, and O'Dell responded that members of
school-sponsored athletic teams, cheerleaders and drill team members
would be included.

Hull and board member Harris suggested that those be added to the
draft policy, and Hull said he wants to review recent federal court
cases to be sure the policy is in line.

In general, Hull and O'Dell said that the U.S. Supreme Court has
authorized the testing of student athletes for illegal drugs.

``My concerns are since we've got some more recent cases, I think we
need to look at those,'' Hull said.

O'Dell said the policy was formulated after looking at Bristol
Tennessee's policy, in effect since the fall of 1998, and
Greeneville's policy, which has been in place for 14 years.

Board member Alvie Bright of Lynn Garden suggested that a doctor
review the list of drugs to be sure it is appropriate, and O'Dell
agreed.

``We'll be ready to vote on this next month,'' O'Dell said.

In other action, the board approved modified block scheduling for the
county's four high schools so they can meet a new state requirement
of providing remedial instruction during the school day.

In addition, O'Dell said that Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist may visit
Sullivan County Thursday and announced a school board retreat in
Pigeon Forge from Jan. 18-20.