TEST THEM

Public School Teachers, Administrators Should Have Random Drug Screenings

The weekend arrest in Charleston of an elementary school principal
for alleged cocaine possession has triggered discussion for
implementing random drug testing for public school teachers and
principals in the state's most populous county.

We think it would be a great idea if it were to become mandatory statewide.

Student safety must be the driving force behind the operation of our
schools, and when you have teachers and/or administrators who are
abusing drugs, you just don't have any level of comfort.

Besides the safety issue, what kind of example is being placed in
front of our students by personnel -- whom they are told to learn
from, respect and hold up as role models -- who are breaking the law?

The vast majority of our state's teachers and administrators are
super people doing a tough, and oftentimes thankless, job. But we
can guarantee you there isn't a school system in our state that can
boast a drug-free workforce.

In fact, virtually no workplace can lay claim to being drug-free.
Yes, there are a few, but the number is minuscule when you look at
the big picture.

However, when you are talking about the kids, public schools and
public employees, the stakes are much higher.

Leaders of both of West Virginia's largest teacher unions, the West
Virginia Federation of Teachers and West Virginia Education
Association, are voicing strong opposition to random drug testing.

The terms "invasion of privacy" and "too expensive" are quick to
come out of their mouths. They say it's such a "small percentage" of
personnel who are doing it.

Any percentage is too large, in our opinion.

School bus drivers are required to take a drug test when they are
initially hired, and they are subject to random, quarterly screenings as well.

School officials have the right to require drug testing for other
personnel if they have "reason to suspect" a problem, but random
tests aren't dictated.

The same policy needs to apply to all school personnel when it comes
to drug testing and it should be the policy which is currently
governing the bus drivers.

Too much is hanging in the balance not to institute stricter rules.