FIELDCREST ADOPTS RANDOM DRUG TESTING

MINONK - The Fieldcrest School District has adopted a random
drug-testing policy, but may not use it until there is a way to pay
for the tests.

"But there have been some parent groups and private groups who have
voiced an interest in potentially funding getting this going," said
Superintendent Randy Vincent, who will see what money is available
and build testing around that.

The tests would be used to determine which students can try out for
and participate in competitive extracurricular activities.

The policy says the district will pay for all initial random tests
and any additional reliability testing, but retesting of a positive
sample or additional testing sought by the student or parents would
be the family's financial responsibility.

The policy "is not to punish kids, but to give them another reason
to say 'no' to peer pressure," board member Heidi Cook said during a
meeting last week.

The essence of the policy, Vincent said, is "to deter the use of
prohibited substances, not to provide a means which the district may
use to punish a student in addition to disqualification from
participation in extracurricular activities."

"What will happen is, everyone that is trying out for an activity
will receive copies of the policy and a consent form that the
student, parents or guardian has to sign and also an adult witness
who is not a family member," he said.

In most cases, the witness will be a coach, athletic director or principal.

Any student who tests positive without proper medical documentation
will be subject to a follow-up test after a suspension is served or
after the substance normally would be eliminated from the body,
whichever comes first.

In addition, the district can continue testing at any time during
the remaining school year.

Related counseling or subsequent treatment by non-school agencies
would be the financial responsibility of the family.