WHERE WERE STUDENTS, PARENTS WHEN DRUG TESTING POLICY WAS BEING DEBATED

This week, Enid Public Schools began drug testing for students in eighth
through 12th grades who participate in activities sponsored by Oklahoma
Secondary School Activities Association.

Students submitted to scheduled tests this week, and the district could
conduct as many as 12 random tests throughout the year.

As testing began, some students and parents expressed displeasure with the
process, and students passed out information outlining why they believe the
new policy is not a deterrent to drug use.

Which begs the question: Where were these students and their parents when
the issue was first discussed as far back as last November? At that time,
Enid Board of Education formed a study group to look into specifics of the
drug testing program.

The committee and school board studied the issue for months, plenty of time
for students and parents to come forward with objections or concerns. The
policy had its first reading at the May 2 meeting. The second reading and
public hearing, at which committee members were available to answer
questions, was held May 16. No members of the public showed up. No
questions were asked; no protest made. Thus, the board approved the policy
that night.

This protest against drug testing is too little, too late.

This year's testing is being funded by a $25,000 donation to the district
from Champlin Foundation. The district will have a year in which to
evaluate the policy before deciding whether it should continue and whether
other sources of funding for the expensive testing should be sought.

During that period of evaluation, hopefully parents and students will take
time to get involved in the ongoing discussion about drug testing, rather
than waiting until a decision is made and then grousing about it after the
fact.

If drug testing keeps one student from using any sort of illegal substance,
including steroids, it will be worthwhile. Random testing could prove a
bigger deterrent than scheduled tests, simply because you can't prepare for
something if you don't know when it will occur.

The drug testing policy also might have a side benefit, that of spurring
parents and students to get involved with issues affecting their school and
community, rather than passively allowing others to decide their fate.