DRUG TESTING TO BE VOLUNTARY

WILLIAMSBURG -- A proposal to randomly test high school students for
drugs and alcohol took another unexpected twist Tuesday night when
WJC School Board member Mary Ann Maimone unveiled a compromise plan
that would make testing completely voluntary.

Details included:

* Extending the program to middle schools. Participation requires
the signature of the parent and student.

* Made the policy non-punitive to ensure confidentiality. Students
would not be removed from activities at any time.

* In the event of positive test result, parents will be assisted by
the school division in providing a drug counseling plan.

School Board members Joe Fuentes and Elise Emanuel immediately
seconded Maimone's motion. School Board member Ron Vaught
immediately tore into it, saying that the amendment would take out
the teeth of the proposal.

But one by one, every School Board member, Vaught included, said
they would vote for the compromise.

"I think based on all the comments we've heard, we've reached a good
compromise," said Fuentes. "We've split the baby in half, but i
think it's a workable solution."

"Everybody in this room cares about kids and nobody wants to trash
the Constitution," said School Board member John Alewynse to the
packed room of about 85 people (at least 25 more were viewing on
televisions from the hallway outside).

"I am grateful for Ms. Maimone's amendment, that seems to afford a
win-win opportunity for everyone," Alewynse continued.

The anti-drug-testing crowd was very gratified by the sudden
compromise, emitting cheers as each School Board member in
succession expressed support for Maimone's amendment.

Pro-testing advocates were disappointed.

"[The School Board members] might be bending to political pressures,
though I do understand completely that they're between a rock and a
hard place," said Jamestown High senior Christine Bottles is
co-chair of the student pro-testing task force and was
recently recognized for her work. "I researched voluntary
drug testing and still stuck with mandatory."

Community member Gualano Davis, who described himself as neither
anti-nor pro-testing, urged the School Board during citizens'
comments to table the issue until a community taskforce could study
all aspects of it. In an interview after the vote, he said he was
unhappy with the quick compromise motion.

"I envisioned them holding off [on a vote] since it's a grant-based
deal," he said. "Hold off until the summer, then let's come back to
the table with all the experts. They could write up a plan of three
courses of action, present it to the community and let them vote on it."

WJC School Board members listened to emotional appeals citizens'
comments period that stretched for an hour beyond its 30-minute
limit as 44 parents and community members spoke on the topic. About
three-fourths supported testing, and many had heartbreaking, tearful
stories. The quarter of parents opposed to testing encouraged a
voluntary testing program as a compromise measure that would protect
civil liberties.