ALEXANDER VOTERS SHOULD PUT DRUG TEST ADVOCATES OFF SCHOOL BOARD

Over the past several weeks I have read several articles opposing the drug
testing of student athletes and student drivers at the Alexander School
District. I cannot contribute any new argument opposing the drug testing
because each argument was constructively written. It is clear that the four
board members who favor the drug testing are not interested in the opinion
of Alexander parents.

What I can do is encourage each parent to talk with their son or daughter
regarding The Constitution and civil liberties. I understand it may be
difficult for younger children to fully comprehend what it means to protect
his/her privacy -- after all, our board members do not understand the
concept -- but it is important for children to realize they do have rights
regardless of their age.

I also understand why parents would want to consent to the drug test.
However, consider the decisions the board members would face if the school
district had limited athletes or if most students decided to ride the bus
to and from school.

I also encourage parents to let board members know that our opposition to
the drug test is not financially related, and deferring the cost to the
school district will not satisfy our concerns.

It is important for each parent to vote in the next election and remove the
board members that will not listen to our voices. I do not hesitate to
state that in the last election Mr. Kasler received two votes from our
household. It pleases me to say he will lose three votes in the next
election: Mine, my husband, and my son who is a 2005 Alexander graduate and
a newly registered voter.

Nina Sharpe

Alexander School District Parent