OFFICIALS QUESTION IMPACT OF SCHOOLS' ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE

Armed with survey data indicating large numbers of Frederick County
high school seniors are using substances such as drugs and alcohol,
county officials are wondering if anti-drug education is missing its
mark.

In November, the Maryland Adolescent Survey, an anonymous
questionnaire on students' use of drugs, alcohol and other
substances, was distributed to more than 2,000 county students in
grades six, eight, 10 and 12.

The results indicated that younger students' use of substances is
close to state averages, but use among high school students in the
county is far greater than peers throughout Maryland.

Students in 12th grade ranked higher than state percentages in
numerous categories of substance use, including liquor, marijuana,
ecstasy and inhalants.

School health administrators outlined how the county delivers
messages of avoiding such substances to students during a
presentation to the school board Jan. 11. Following the presentation,
some board members questioned whether this education was making a
difference, especially with high school seniors.

Lynn Carr, curriculum specialist for physical education, health and
athletics, told the board that substance abuse education is delivered
during Biology I classes in 10th grade, in American Studies II in
11th grade and in English 12 for high school seniors. Carr
acknowledged that some students do not take all of these classes due
to choosing electives or other advanced courses.

The board's student representative, Jonathan Mahlandt, said at
Middletown High School, students taking advanced placement classes
rather than the American Studies course don't get the information,
based on his own experience.

High school instructional director Ann Bonitatibus said that advanced
placement teachers should still be delivering the message, but
acknowledged that it may be skipped as instructors lack time.

Bonitatibus reminded the board that many student-led initiatives are
also preaching an anti-drug lifestyle in county schools.

''There are some strong and powerful things being done to reach the
entire student body," she said.

Anther concern with Frederick County's substance abuse education
brought up by the board was funding. Commissioner Michael L. Cady (R)
said what was being done in the county versus the rest of the state
was not working.

''I don't think [Frederick County] kids are more prone to use...
something is happening through the process," he said. ''The message
is not clear."

Linda Gouker, safe and drug-free schools facilitator for the county,
said of her $120,000 budget, only $15,000 came from local sources.
The rest comes from federal funding, some of which might soon be
eliminated.

''We need more muscle to make this work," Cady said. ''It's totally
unacceptable to me... to lead the state in drug use. From my work
with [weightlifting and Olympic groups], I know this is a losing
battle, but at least we can retard its advancement."

Superintendent Linda D. Burgee said before determining that money
will fix the problem, the school system needs to look at what will
help and then determine if funding is associated with these
solutions. She also noted a personal desire to expand the community's
role in helping young people avoid using drugs and alcohol, noting
that the schools cannot work alone.