STUDENTS PONDER DRUG TESTING PLAN

EL PASO -- A proposal requiring random drug testing for El Paso students
involved in extracurricular activities is a good idea and could curb drug
use among young people, according to some students in the district.

Under the current proposal, high school and junior high school students
could be suspended from competitive extracurricular activities based on the
results of the drug tests. Competitive activities range from the basketball
team to Scholastic Bowl.

A positive test would warrant exclusion of the participant from 20 percent
of the activity season.

If the offender then fails to obtain a chemical assessment or seek
counseling, the penalty doubles to 40 percent of the season.

Currently, no specific number of students would be tested per week, but the
policy committee of the school board can suggest changes to the proposal
before it is adopted.

"I think it's a good thing," said Suzanne Rigsby, a recent graduate of El
Paso High School. "It could scare the entire school instead of just the
athletes."

Junior Thane Hasty agreed, saying, "It's a good idea. We should put
stipulations on people in the school."

The drug screening proposal will be discussed again at a board meeting set
for 7 p.m. tonight at Centennial School's library. The policy committee will
meet at 6 p.m.

High school students were not the only ones supporting the idea during
interviews this week at several locations in El Paso. The proposed drug
testing would also include the junior high school, starting as early as
sixth grade.

"The testing would be good," said seventh grader James Kowalski. "When kids
on drugs are on teams it hurts the team and slows it and (the person) down."

Maddie Arbuckle, also a seventh grader, echoed that sentiment. "We should
get rid of people doing drugs. They're ruining the teams."

Though support may be gaining among El Paso students, some are still
questioning the motive of the school board.

"It's a pretty good idea, but I don't know why all of a sudden," said Sarah
Bozarth, a senior. "It's only a problem among those doing it."

Senior Nic Mool is less supportive. "I don't like it. It gives the town a
bad name. People are blowing the whole drug thing out of proportion. It's
not as bad as it sounds."