PISD DRUG-TESTING POLICY EXPECTED TO DEBUT

A student drug-testing policy over a year in the making is expected to be
in place when Paris Independent School District students begin classes in
August.

Trustees heard a second reading of the policy Tuesday with a third and
final reading and trustee vote scheduled for July 28.

If approved, the policy will require students in grades seven through 12
who compete in school-sponsored competitive extracurricular activities to
be placed in a pool for random drug testing.

The policy represents a change from a proposed policy discussed a year ago
that called for high school students to be tested prior to the first day of
practice for a competitive activity.

"We are facing all kinds of budget constraints," Superintendent Paul Trull
explained about the change. Costs for random testing are estimated at about
$6,000 a year compared to $20,000 to test all high school competitors.

"After reviewing, thinking and studying, we really want a way for students
to arm themselves and say, 'I may have to be tested.' With that thought in
mind, we are recommending placing all students in the pool for random
testing starting the first day of school."

Trull explained that concerns expressed during 2004 board meetings and at a
public forum have been taken into consideration.

A drug-testing consent form no longer calls for a student's Social Security
number nor a listing of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Substances to be tested for will include anything illegal to buy, possess,
use, sell or distribute under state of federal law, according to the
policy. Alcohol is covered, as well as performance enhancing substances,
including steroids.

Samples are to be taken "under conditions that are no more intrusive to
students than the conditions experienced in a public restroom," according
to the policy.