NORTH BALTIMORE SCHOOLS ALTER DRUG TESTING

NORTH BALTIMORE (OH)---Beginning in the fall, students taking part in
sports and other extracurricular activities in the North Baltimore
Local Schools will be tested for drug and alcohol use at random rather
than as a qualification for participating.

The school board approved the changes in its year-old drug-testing policy
Monday night, in part as a response to concerns registered by parents and
other residents.

Under the new plan, the school will try to educate all students about drug
and alcohol use through health, science and home economics classes and with
a spring assembly where a motivational speaker will address drug abuse,
district Treasurer Eve Michel said.

During the last school year every student in grade 7-12 who was involved in
athletics or other activities, including National Honor Society and
academic clubs, was tested at the beginning of the each of the three
athletic seasons.