BLUE RIDGE SCHOOLS EYEING RANDOM DRUG TESTS FOR STUDENTS

FARMER CITY -- The Blue Ridge school board will consider implementing
random drug testing as a way to keep students from making "unhealthy choices."

A policy could be adopted as soon as Jan. 18. The board meets at 6
Wednesday night to discuss proposed building construction; the
regular meeting follows at 7 at the high school library, 411 N. John St.

The drug test option arose after discussion about use and misuse of
legal and illegal drugs in the area.

"The behaviors were alarming enough, it was clear that some students
were making unhealthy choices, and it had to be addressed," said
Superintendent Susan Wilson.

The goal is to prevent drug use; give students an "out" when friends
try to get them to use substances; and give parents the information
needed to seek treatment for their child if they test positive, she said.

The policy is based on one started in 2007 at Gibson
City-Melvin-Sibley and a similar one adopted the same year by
Fieldcrest (Minonk).

"We hear from kids that it is a deterrent," Superintendent Josh Olsen
said, although the program was cut for a couple of years to save money.

Students who test positive are excluded from extracurricular
activities and may be suspended. A drug evaluation and treatment
program is available.

Bloomington District 87, McLean County Unit 5 (Normal) and Olympia
(Stanford) don't use random tests, but instead use programs set up
for larger populations, officials said.

Lexington, Tri-Valley (Downs) and University (Normal) randomly test
at sports tournaments as required by the Illinois High School Association.