DRUG TESTS LOOM AT LAKE STEVENS HIGH

The School Board Is Expected To Approve A Random Testing Program For
Students In Leadership, Sports And Other Activities.

LAKE STEVENS - An estimated 600 of Lake Stevens High School's 2,200
students could be subject to random tests for drug use this school year.

The school board on Wednesday is expected to approve a final policy
for a drug testing program at the high school.

For the first year, the urinalysis testing will include student
leaders, as well as those involved in athletics and other
competitive activities sanctioned by the Washington Interscholastic
Activities Association, such as cheerleading.

Students who test positive for drug use would be suspended from
their sport or activity for two weeks.

"We need to do something," school board President Janice Thompson
said. "It's our responsibility to do that. These kids can't learn if
they're on drugs, and the problem is not getting any better."

The final draft of the policy backs away from earlier plans that
would have also extended testing to students in clubs and those with
parking permits.

School leaders will return to those groups a year from now.

"We felt like since most of this work was done when school was out
and our teachers weren't available, including teachers who run our
clubs ... we felt we needed until next fall to get some time and
thoughtfully do it," Thompson said.

There are more than 20 student clubs at the high school. Some meet
every week, others once or twice a month. Few have formal sign-up sheets.

School administrators estimate the cost of testing during the first
year will be about $10,000. The money will come out of the general
fund budget, though the district also is seeking grants.

Technicians with Seattle-based LabCorp will test students for a
variety of drugs, which would change as different drugs enter and
fall off the drug scene, school district spokeswoman Arlene Hulten said.

A clinician would report positive drug test results to a doctor or
medical review officer with the company, who would then contact the
student's parents as well as a designated contact person at the high school.

Along with being suspended from an activity, the student would be
required to meet with a school drug and alcohol specialist, who
could refer them to professional treatment. Another drug test would
be given before they return to play.

"What we're really trying to do here is help students," Thompson
said. "This is not punitive. This is not to punish kids."

School administrators have sought ways to improve drug and alcohol
prevention efforts for more than a year, concerned by discipline
reports and student surveys.

One result last fall was requiring drug tests for students entering
Prove High School, an alternative program. In May, the school board
directed Superintendent David Burgess to come up with a testing
program for Lake Stevens High School.

A committee of students, school staff and community members helped
craft the proposal.

The school board plans to vote on the proposal at its meeting at
7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the educational service center, 12309 22nd St. NE.