SCHOOL BOARD GETS PLENTY OF REACTION OVER DRUG TESTING

School trustees got an earful Tuesday night from parents, professionals, patrons and students, almost all of whom opposed student drug testing.

An hour of questions and opinions from the public gave board members just what they'd asked for as they explore ways to fight drug use by children.

Urine testing is not the answer, many told the board.

The room was packed Tuesday night, not only with people who wanted to speak, but also with students from high school and junior college government classes.

Several speakers favored drug testing, but others said there are better ways to spend scarce education dollars.

Many asked why drug-testing was being proposed and exactly how consequences would be imposed.

Supt. Don Hillis provided an overview of drug testing laws and policies before the public hearing began.

"Is this a tool we think is appropriate for use in our community?" he asked.

Included in his presentation was a four-minute videotape on legal issues. "It's constitutional, but it may not be wanted or effective,"

One point it stressed was that drug testing is constitutional, but may not be wanted or effective. It also noted that courts have said testing cannot be punitive and results must be confidential.

Carolyn Haywood zeroed in on this point as she asked the board, "what is the purpose? What is your next step -- help or punishment?"

Dr. Priscilla Metcalf asked the same question. If it's for punishment, it's illegal; if it's for health, why just certain drugs?

"Are you going to test for anabolic steroids? For pregnancy? For VD? These are health problems, too."

False positives are frequent, she said, "and then will come the lawsuits."

"I can't see how you are going to keep it confidential," she said.

"And are teachers to be tested? There's nothing to say that adults don't have the same problems."

High school senior Whitney Morgan said there is humiliation involved in drug testing.

"Don't forget that we are people, and this is degrading to us."

Darryl Darnell said he favors efforts to curb drug use, and a testing program might be useful. But he said it would miss the most widely abused drugs, alcohol and tobacco. He praised the DARE program that has been used here for years.

Parent Sharon Villarreal also said she favors a testing program and that the board's concern is "wonderful."

Former school trustee Mary Poland, however, strongly opposed drug testing.

"We punish the good students to discipline the troublemakers," she said.

She also opposed it for budget reasons. Scare dollars are far better spent for education than for drug-testing, she said.

She noted that the main proponent of drug testing is the very laboratory that already does the mandatory drug testing of school bus drivers.

About 16 people in all spoke up during the one hour allotted for input

"You've given us exactly what we asked for," board president Don Erdelt said in closing the hearing.

"We're glad to have all of you here."

"This is what we need to hear," trustee Marc Aaronson said afterwards.

"We're not trying to impose a program. We just are concerned about the kids. And we want to know what parents think would be an effective way to help them."

According to Erdelt, there will be no rush, regardless of what program is selected.

Surveys and other methods will be used to get still more input from parents and students, he said.