ALL SCHOOLS SHOULD TEST FOR DRUGS

I read the May 17 article "Schools expand drug testing." I am
surprised this testing has not been done before, and that students
are not to be tested.

I have been on the board of the Sarasota Military Academy since its
inception more than four years ago. Two and a half years ago our
students requested the administration to conduct random drug and
alcohol testing on all students on a continuing basis. The
administration and faculty agreed, and added themselves to the
procedure. Since the onset seven students have tested positive, were
referred for treatment and then returned to classes. Only one has
been dismissed.

Why cannot all schools do this? We are a public high school, open to
any student in the area. Our students are no different from any other
in the Sarasota school system. It does not take a rocket scientist to
know that when testing is to be a requirement of hiring personnel
that such an individual usually can easily pass, for she/he is smart
enough to prepare properly before the test is offered. Only when
random testing is done throughout each year will the guilty person be
detected. If that person fails the first course of treatment, she/he
is dismissed from the school, or employment is terminated.

As responsible adults who have gone through life free of drug/alcohol
abuse, I believe it is our responsibility to make every effort to
prevent others from acquiring such bad habits. The time to start is
in the maturing stages of life, to prevent the bad habit from
developing in the first place. If this is not done, each of us knows
the havoc that can occur and the adverse effect on the life and
safety of an individual. I hope the leaders of our school district,
the parents and students of each high school will adopt a
drug/alcohol free environment. What better step is there for one to
remain safe, and to be healthy throughout life!

Dr. Robert E. Windom

Sarasota