NCT WRONG ON DRUG TESTING

Recently the NCT published an editorial criticizing the Vista Unified
School District Board of Trustees for approving a drug-testing
program for all high students participating in co-curricular
activities at Vista and Rancho Buena Vista High Schools.

The premise of the editorial opinion was that the students who took
part in these activities were already safe and secure from drug use
by their mere participation in these activities. How the Times
arrived at their opinion is still a mystery. No facts to support
their opinion were presented, simply a scathing rebuke of the VUSD
Board for engaging in such an underhanded activity.

In my role as principal of a large comprehensive high school, I
thought some solid facts regarding the Times editorial might be
helpful. I feel qualified to speak on this topic given my 34 years in
public education and 18 years spent coaching at the high school level.

Prior to seeking the federal grant, a pilot program was conducted at
Rancho Buena Vista High School for over one year. This pilot program
involved over 120 student-athletes participating in the football
program (as reported by the NCT reporter Terry Monahan). Parents were
notified, and every parent granted permission. Not one parent
resisted or protested the concept; they welcomed the idea of testing.

In over one year, we experienced two positive tests. The
student-athletes were counseled and provided a second opportunity to
modify their behavior. No future positive tests occurred, and both
athletes remained in the program. One athlete dropped out of the
program because of the testing.

With these results and solid parental support, the district embarked
on securing the federal grant. To bolster the grant application,
results from the California Healthy Kid Survey were used to support
the need for such a testing program. Over 50 percent of the students
surveyed at both high schools reported some level of drug or alcohol
use in the past year.

Seventy percent of staff surveyed said that the school did not
possess the necessary resources to address substance abuse prevention
needs. Seventy percent of students surveyed said that obtaining
alcohol or marijuana within the community was very easy.

The survey also indicates that use increases as students get older.
The high number of students who readily admit drug or alcohol use
indicates a problem that needs to be addressed. Recognizing the
tremendous influence that peers can exert on each other, providing
students with some type of support mechanisms is a prudent and
reasonable approach to this issue facing our youngsters.

Lastly, assuming for a moment that the Times assertion that VUSD is
testing mostly innocent kids who would never use drugs is accurate. I
would maintain that testing any number of innocent students is worth
the price if we save even one youngster from the horrors of substance
abuse. That is a small price to pay to save the life of one child.

Our school board members took a strong stance against drug use that
should be celebrated in our community, not scorned.

Rich Alderson is principal of Rancho Buena Vista High School.