BA SCHOOLS EXPAND DRUG POLICY

Students, Not Just Athletes, May Be Tested If Officials Are Suspicious Of
Abnormal Behavior.

BROKEN ARROW -- School officials expanded drug testing from athletics to
academics Monday night.

The Board of Education unanimously approved a policy that would test any
student under ``reasonable suspicion'' for drugs. Broken Arrow becomes the
third district in the area to enact such a policy.

Jenks has had the same standards for three years, and Glenpool adopted a
similar policy last year.

``It's another opportunity for students to not succumb to peer pressure,''
said Bill Coyle, director of secondary curriculum. ``This gives them
another excuse.''

Broken Arrow, along with many districts across the state, has a strict
drug-testing policy that includes random testing for athletes. Some
districts have extended that to include all extracurricular activities.

The policy implemented by Jenks, Glenpool and Broken Arrow extends into the
classroom.

``Our attorney said we could be doing this, anyway, because the courts have
been clear on this,'' Coyle said. ``But he said to go ahead and set a policy.

``We feel very safe on this.''

Attorneys with the Oklahoma School Boards Association have said the only
drug-testing policy that may be unconstitutional is one that requires
testing the entire student population.

Under the policy, a student whose behavior creates a reasonable suspicion
that the student is under the influence of alcohol or an illegal chemical
substance may be required to take a test.

The district will pay for the test, and the student's parents will be
notified.

``We're looking for observable behavior, which may be slurred speech, the
inability to stay awake, the inability to say and write the alphabet or
their name,'' Coyle said. ``There are numerous components, coupled with at
least two witnesses, to verify behavior.''

A violation of the policy may result in out-of-school suspension.

If a student refuses to take the test, he or she may be subject to the same
disciplinary action as if the student had tested positive.

The school board's approval marks the third year in a row that Broken Arrow
has adopted or added to its drug-testing policy. But Coyle said Broken
Arrow does not have a drug problem.

``In looking at the last three years of suspensions, the numbers for
drug-related suspensions have been declining,'' he said. ``This is adding a
cohesive piece to the puzzle to promote a healthy lifestyle.''