SV APPROVES TESTING ATHLETES FOR DRUGS

The Susquehanna Valley school board, by a 6-3 vote, approved a policy
Thursday to begin mandatory drug testing of student athletes.

The approval means SV will begin drug testing student athletes on July 1,
before the start of the fall sports season. Students will have to consent
to urine tests to stay eligible for athletics. Susquehanna Valley is the
first Southern Tier school district to require drug testing.

"Is this a perfect policy? Probably not," said board President Sandra
Ruffo. But it is a step to fight drug use, she said. She voted for the
policy.

The board's vote came after an hourlong public comment session at which 14
of 19 speakers spoke against the policy. Ruffo noted, however, board
members have been getting other public comments - at church, at work and at
social events - since it was first reported at the end of January that the
district was considering the policy.

Still, the approval left some opponents angry as they left Thursday's
meeting. "If my child is asked to do a urine drug screening, I'll refuse
and contact my attorney," said Cherie Maczko. Maczko earlier spoke against
the policy, saying she was concerned about the confidentiality of tests.

Other critics also raised concerns about the unfairness of testing only
student athletes and the confidentiality of tests; a series of school
officials will be notified if a student tests positive.

"I think it's creating a negative atmosphere. ... It's saying to kids, 'we
don't trust you, we're going to get you,' " said Kathy Cederholm, a parent
in the school district.

One speaker in favor of the policy was Holly Finch. Finch said it could act
as a deterrent for students who may not want to risk their academic
eligibility by using drugs. "Maybe if they enjoy sports enough, they'll
think twice," she said.

A 14-member committee, including school officials and residents,
recommended that the school board approve the policy. It calls for all
athletes to be tested at the beginning of each season, with random testing
of four student athletes each week during the season. Students who test
positive, would be able to stay on a team if they agree to undergo
substance abuse counseling and are cleared to participate by a doctor.

The tests will cover a series of drugs, including marijuana and cocaine,
but not steroids.

"I'm very pleased" with the board's decision, said Timothy O'Hearn,
director of health and wellness for the school district. He acknowledged
most of the speakers Thursday were against the policy. But supporters don't
usually come to public hearings, he said, adding that comments he has
received are largely positive.

But Jon Burgman, a speaker Thursday, said 75 percent of the people who went
to a second public forum in mid-February were against the policy.

Voting for the policy were Ruffo, Michael Bensley, Allen Buyck, Frederick
Johnson, Susan Pollock and Janice Young. Voting against it were Yvonne
Lucia, Mary M. Rader and James Marean, board vice president.

Rader first asked for a vote to be delayed until some issues could be
clarified. She wrestled with the issue, she said.

O'Hearn said the committee studied the issue seriously and solicited
student opinion before recommending the policy. A survey of athletes in the
winter of 1998 found that 36.1 percent said drug and alcohol use is a
problem among SV athletes. While SV's drug problem is no greater than any
other school system, a problem exists, he said.