DRUG POLICY CONSIDERED FOR CISD

Cleveland ISD looks into a drug prevention plan.

At the regularly scheduled board meeting, Cleveland ISD board members voted
to have a proposed drug testing policy reviewed by the school's legal
personnel. An approved policy would institute a random check of students
involved with extracurricular activities.

Current policy allows the checking of personal property, such as lockers,
book bags, etc. Random checks help verify a drug-free campus.

According to Mike Ogden, CHS principal, 12 students have been arrested for
selling or being in possession of an illegal substance - five of those were
taken to the emergency room for medical treatment. At the meeting, Ogden
vividly recalled the horrors of a child who had overdosed. That particular
student never saw another sunrise.

Ogden said, "This is a community problem being brought into our schools."
Surprisingly, Cleveland is one of the few area school districts without a
drug testing policy for extracurricular activities. This may soon change.

In other business, the board was addressed by individuals interested in
bringing a soccer program back to CHS. Cleveland had a soccer program, but
it was dropped due to the lack of participation.

The program included three intramural coaches and approximately 14
students. The group represented about 50 students interested in renewing
the sports program.

The board and Ogden were overwhelmingly supportive. During the discussion,
Ogden commented, "I'm on you're side 100 percent." Ogden went on to report
that equipment and uniforms were in place should a team be fielded. A team
would not be eligible for UIL play this season, but could play in 2006-07
school year.

Superintendent Jacob Sherman announced two conditions that would apply if a
program was implemented. Soccer athletes would have to enter the year
around athletic program, and be committed to at least two years which is
required by the UIL.