WHY DON'T ALEX SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SUBMIT TO DRUG TESTS?

I am writing in response to David Kasler's Reader's Forum about the
Alexander Schools' drug-testing policy in the July 21 edition of The Athens
NEWS and the follow-up story about the Alexander School Board meeting in
the July 25 edition of the newspaper.

Lest my address identify me as an "outsider," I should point out that I
lived in the Alexander School District for over 20 years, and all three of
my children attended school in the district.

It is pointless to restate principled arguments against the drug-testing
policy, because the board has apparently voted to implement it.
Fortunately, citizens in the district have recourse: when the soap box
fails, there is always the ballot box. Some voters might even remember the
board's posture on the drug-testing policy when the next levy appears on
the ballot.

If the drug-testing policy is a good thing, as Mr. Kasler has represented
it is, then let him lead from the front, along with the other board members
who favored this policy, by volunteering to take the drug and alcohol tests
themselves (and pay for it out of their pockets) and have the results
published - next to their names -- in a local newspaper of record.
Actually, the drug/alcohol testing shouldn't stop with the board -- let's
include those administrators, teachers and staff who drive to the school
and/or coach or supervise students in extracurricular activities as well.
That would set an example for the students.

After all, what do they have to hide?

Steve Lind

Logan