DRUG TEST OPTION ADOPTED

NEDERLAND - A mandatory drug testing option in Nederland Independent
School District could save some first-time drug and alcohol offenders
from missing out on their extracurricular activities.

For the first time this year, the district has adopted strict
disciplinary measures for students who have been charged with
misdemeanor alcohol or drug offenses.

"This year, we have a 90-day suspension from participation if a
student has an alcohol or drug offense for the first time," said Mike
Guidry, assistant superintendent for curriculum at NISD.

By taking advantage of the mandatory drug testing option, the student
can take a shorter 30-day suspension instead of the full 90 day
suspension from extracurricular activities and driving on campus.

Guidry said the intention of the testing is to provide parents with
information about their children to help them determine the extent of
their child's drug or alcohol usage.

Parents are responsible for the cost of the drug test, which could
cost up to $240, Guidry said.

"The school district can't be responsible for the costs. This is just
an option available," Guidry said.

This option can be used by students who have a first offense not
punishable by a felony. For the initial offense, they are placed in an
alternative school for 15 days.

For first offenses punishable as a felony or distribution of alcohol
or drugs, the punishment is a 120-day expulsion.

Guidry said students who are eligible for the mandatory drug testing
option are able to fully participate in their extracurricular
activities after the 30 academic day period.

"If they are in band, as far as music instruction is concerned, they
are still able to participate in that, but they wouldn't be able to
march on the field or participate in any other after-school activity
with the band," Guidry said.

In the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District, Lane Emmett,
director of transportation, said the district does have a policy in
place for drug testing. "Drug testing companies have talked to me
about it, but we haven't gone anywhere with it," Emmett said. Emmett
said the only drug testing done in the district is the testing
required by the Texas Department of Transportation for bus drivers.