EDGEWOOD IMPLEMENTS RANDOM DRUG TESTING

Edgewood High School will implement random drug testing as part of the
district's comprehensive drug and alcohol education program.

Beginning Oct. 1, students who participate in "non-graded" activities
or privileges such as extracurricular activities or driving to school
will be required to sign a consent form to be tested at random for
drug use, said district spokesman John Thomas.

"Our goal is to be 100 percent drug and alcohol free," he
said.

The Edgewood Board of Education voted Aug. 27 to begin a random drug
testing program at the high school, in conjunction with a program that
already includes alcohol and substance abuse education. The school
also uses Breathalyzer testing at school-sponsored events such as
proms and promotes "Parents who Host, Lose the Most" programs.

The testing will cost about $4,000 a year and be paid for through the
Safe and Drug-Free Schools program, said Thomas. The district
currently is deciding which company will conduct the testing.

Specific consequences for failing a drug test will be made available
Monday. The consequences will likely include limiting participation in
activities and driving privileges and penalties will increase with
repeated offenses, Thomas said.

Letters were sent home with students Friday explaining the new policy
and coaches and advisers have been notified, according to Thomas. The
district plans to hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the high
school auditorium to provide additional information on the purpose,
process and protocols of the new policy.