SCHOOLS TO REQUIRE DRUG TESTS FOR ATHLETES, OTHERS

BURLESON - A suburban Fort Worth school district will require
drug testing for all school athletes, cheerleaders and drill-team
members in grades 8-12, starting with the upcoming school year.

But the Burleson Independent School District has stopped short of
requiring drug screening for all students involved in extracurricular
activities.

District trustees approved the policy unanimously Monday night,
without discussion or public comment.

District officials plan to meet Thursday to discuss a voluntary
drug-testing program for students in other extracurricular activities.

Under the policy approved Monday, athletes will be required to undergo
an initial screening at the beginning of the year, then random
screening during the school year.

The board had given preliminary approval last month to a mandatory
drug-testing policy for all athletes and students participating in
University Interscholastic League activities, including band and
debate teams.

But board attorneys advised that the board limit the mandatory policy
to athletes until federal courts clarify the legality of mandatory
tests for others.

"The athletic part has gone to the Supreme Court. Once the nonathletic
cases reach the Supreme Court, I think we'll add that portion in as
well," district athletic trainer Roddy Smith told the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram.