SLOW DOWN

Your editorials on the proposal to mandate random drug testing have
been outstanding. I believe they have helped arouse and educate the
community on the critical issues related to this matter.

One hopes that members of the School Board will recognize that slowing
down and backing up are not the same as "backing down," and they will
table this proposal in order to provide time for careful consideration
of needs and interventions to prevent or reduce abuse of alcohol or
drugs.

In addition, it appears that there is a need for a straightforward
approach (e.g. policy and procedure) to determine and respond when
there is probable cause to test. During the School Board's Feb. 21
work session, neither of two coaches nor the principal from Jamestown
High School could describe how they would handle an apparent case of
intoxication on the part of an athlete.

CHRISTINE FAIA

Williamsburg