FAIR TO SEEK RANDOM TEACHER DRUG TESTING

A state senator from Greenville County said he plans to push legislation to
randomly test teachers for illegal drugs and to require more stringent
background checks on all public school workers.

Critics say such tests would be an insult to the teaching profession and
wouldn't accomplish much.

"Some glaring inequities exist right now, and some are inexcusable," said
Republican Sen. Mike Fair of Greenville, who plans to sponsor the
legislation in January when the General Assembly reconvenes. "We need to
reach beyond the state's borders when we conduct background checks on all
employees, not just teachers.

"And testing for illicit drugs is a no-brainer. The public deserves to know
its teachers are drug-free."

Nationally, the number of children being sexually exploited or abused in
public schools is climbing, figures show. In reaction, officials across the
country are putting together legislation that strengthens criminal
background checks on all public school personnel who have unsupervised
access to children. More than 30 states have laws in place requiring or
allowing school districts to conduct background checks.

Locally, bus drivers are the only public school employees who are tested
for illegal drug use.

But state law does requires all teachers, principals and superintendents to
undergo a one-time criminal background check from a national database when
they receive state certification. Other public school employees -- like
teacher aides and custodians -- face at most a statewide criminal records
check. Each school district has the option of deciding whether that is
done, said Jim Foster, spokesman for the state Department of Education.

Greenville County does conduct such checks, said Oby Lyles, a spokesman for
the state's largest school district.

Where stringent background checks have been implemented, they have proven
successful, officials say. For instance, recent searches of all school
personnel in Memphis, Tenn., city schools uncovered 74 employees with
felony convictions, including rape and child abuse.

Chaundra Stewart of Greenville said she worries constantly about the safety
of her granddaughter, who started first grade this year at Duncan Chapel
Elementary. She believes most teachers would welcome anything that
ultimately makes schools safer.

"If some loophole exists that could allow a child molester or a drug addict
to be in the classroom next door, I think everyone at the school would want
to close it," Stewart said. "The bottom line is I want my granddaughter to
be safe."

Opponents of drug testing for teachers and tougher background checks of
school employees say Fair is pushing the envelope too far.

"I can certainly understand rigid background checks when hiring new
teachers, but we don't need to sleep in their bedroom at night," said Sen.
Ralph Anderson, D-Greenville. "There is a shortage of teachers already. We
don't want to take away the dignity of the profession."

The issue of random drug testing for teachers has never come before the
U.S. Supreme Court. But the justices have upheld such screenings for public
safety workers and students involved in extra-curricular activities.

An American Civil Liberties Union board member said the civil rights
organization doesn't oppose testing someone who appears to be under the
influence on the job.

"Beyond that, it is our opinion there is just no need," said Rock Wise of
Greenwood. "Drug testing is designed to make the public feel like something
is being done when its actual effectiveness isn't that great at all."