PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Westford school officials have experienced several rather troubling
and embarrassing incidents with teachers in recent years, resulting
in their prudent decision to review policies regarding hiring
practices and background checks.

Three teachers have been charged with crimes in the last three years,
including two arrested for heroin-related offenses.

Former teacher Rosemarie Pumo was eventually convicted of
distributing heroin to students and sentenced to four to five years
in state prison.

Two weeks ago, teacher Jessica Palkes, who resigned after her
arrest, was arraigned on charges of heroin possession. In light of
those incidents, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Foster is
considering adding random drug testing to the teachers' contract.

The School Department also plans to bring drug-sniffing dogs into the
schools. Drug abuse and addiction are societal problems that affect
every community. Unfortunately, no city or town in America is immune,
no matter how affluent. Westford School Committee Chairman Betsy
Andrews was on target when she pointed out that the school system has
a "zero tolerance" drug policy for students, and teachers must be
held to the same standard. The immediate reaction would be to support
the idea of random drug tests for teachers. In theory, it sounds
reasonable. In practice, however, it could be considered degrading,
prompt good teachers to leave and holds the potential for abuse by
administrators who have personality conflicts with specific teachers.
Perhaps Westford officials can start by pressing for drug-testing of
all new hires -- teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators,
cafeteria workers, custodians -- during future union contract
negotiations. We commend Westford schools officials for their
decision to review departmental policies but believe they should
proceed cautiously with this proposal.