DRUG TESTING POLICIES A TOOL FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Lockney Independent School District has appropriately addressed the
needs and concerns of parents, teachers and administrators by adopting a
drug-testing policy.

The LISD school board voted unanimously to enact a policy that will
tentatively include all students in junior high and high school. The vote
was a switch from a previous vote a few years ago in which drug testing of
students failed.

Unfortunately, the need for drug-testing policies in public schools is
becoming a societal norm.

Fortunately, more school officials are recognizing this need and
implementing a policy to eradicate drugs from school campuses.

LISD Superintendent Raymond Lusk said the district is responding to the
wishes of parents and administrators.

"This actually began about three years ago. We had a large turnout at a
community meeting about drug awareness where we asked about the interest and
support of implementing a policy," Lusk said.

Lusk said more than 300 people attended the meeting, and the overwhelming
majority were in favor of a drug-testing policy.

"This is one of those things where we had parent and teacher input. Maybe we
can help some kids by doing this, and that is really our motive," Lusk said.
"The desire is not to punish kids. There will be consequences for drug use,
but it will be minor compared to the effect of helping kids."

LISD officials have submitted a tentative policy to attorneys for review and
possible recommendations.

A final policy could be implemented by February.

School officials also plan on conducting more community meetings including
representatives from the potential drug-testing company once a decision on a
company is finalized.

If more school districts follow the LISD's lead by responding to community
and district concerns, school drug-testing policies will be a valuable tool.