SCHOOL DISTRICT REINSTATES DRUG TESTING DESPITE RULING

AMARILLO (AP) -- The Tulia Independent School District has reinstated its
drug testing policy for students involved in extracurricular activities
despite a federal judge's ruling that the policy is unconstitutional.

"They expressed a desire to continue it as it had been since the judge did
not order it stopped," Superintendent Mike Vinyard said of the school
board's action vote last week.

The school board is appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Mary Lou
Robinson to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

In an opinion issued Nov. 30 and finalized earlier this month, Robinson
said the Tulia school district's argument, which drew parallels to a
Vernonia, Ore., case, didn't hold up. She said the Oregon case, which was
heard by the Supreme Court, applied only to student athletes - not all
students involved in extracurricular activities.