DRUG TESTING IN SCHOOLS - WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Should public schools get involved in drug-testing teenagers? Wharton
Independent School District officials want to know what parents and
taxpayers think.

Superintendent Don Hillis said public comments will be encouraged during the
next school board meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the
school administration building.

The comments will likely be listed on noteboards under the headings, "pros"
and "cons."

"The big question is how do parents feel about having their child tested?"
Hillis said on Thursday.

"We're moving toward getting all the information we can for the board to
make an informed decision."

One way to gather information will be a survey of students themselves. The
questionnaire, developed by Region III and used throughout the area, is
expected to be distributed next week.

It asks questions regarding students' experiences with drugs and alcohol and
other related matters.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. The district will first get parental
permission for each student to participate.

The survey is expected to be distributed to students in five grades: sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth and 12th.

School officials hope to develop a better understanding of drug use in the
district -- and whether a testing program is necessary.

"The perception is there's a nationwide drug problem, and that it's not just
confined to the big cities," Hillis said.

If instituted, drug testing in Wharton ISD would likely entail once a
semester testing of students involved in extra-curricular activities. This
includes sports, cheerleading and drill teams, band, FFA, UIL and "anything
[else] the student represents the district in," Hillis said.

Some schools also test every student who is issued a parking permit, Hillis
added.

Tests would require urine samples, which would be collected at a designated
area on school property and then sent to a lab. An outside company
specializing in such procedures would oversee the program, to better
establish the "chain of custody," Hillis said.

Random tests could also be implemented, occurring every month for a certain
number selected from among the same qualified students.

And if a student refuses to submit a sample?

"If you refuse the testing, you are not allowed to participate in the
activity," Hillis said.

What happens if the result comes back positive? Is there punishment or
intervention? Is it a health issue or a crime issue?

That's something the district hasn't yet decided -- and wants input about.

Another question that needs answering is what to do with students who take
daily medication. Some of these substances can result in a positive drug
test.

Student confidentiality and the scope of the test are other issues that
would need to be looked at.

"Are the kids we're going to target (athletes and high performers) the ones
most likely to be drug users?" Hillis questioned.

Currently, only three districts in the Region III service area have a
testing program.

Whether or not Wharton should be the fourth is something school officials
hope to determine in the next few months.