RANDOM DRUG TESTS COULD BE IN FUTURE

If Approved, Proposal Would Take Effect In 2005-06 School Year

HAGERSTOWN, Ind. -- Random drug testing could begin at Hagerstown
Junior-Senior High School in the 2005-2006 school year.

According to a timeline approved by the Nettle Creek School Board on
Wednesday, the board will study the policy until a final vote in March 2005.

The board action followed a recommendation by junior-senior high school
administrators and the student relations specialist and a community meeting
about the matter.

According to the timeline, oral testing kits will be purchased with a
2003-04 Safe and Drug-Free Schools Grant. Student relations specialist
Kristina Dale said an eight-to- 10-member committee will be established to
develop the policy and procedures.

The committee's draft policy will be presented to the school board for
review in December, with adoption in March 2005.

Superintendent Joe Backmeyer said the possibility of a random drug test
might give some students an excuse to refuse drugs.

In other business:

No one attended a public hearing on the proposed 2005 school district
budget. Pearson Miller of Educational Services Co., who assists with the
preparation of the budget, said after the hearing that it is "a pretty
standard budget." The budget totals are similar to last year, with the
general fund totaling $8,242,289.

The debt service fund has decreased this year to $1,198,204, a positive
thing for the taxpayers, he said. The building project loans are being paid
down.

Other fund totals include transportation operating at $676,250, capital
projects at $971,391, bus replacement at $160,595 and special ed preschool
at $106,554.

The board will consider adoption of the budget Sept. 8.

The board approved Brad Catey and Nicole Strunk as instructional
assistants, Danette Addison as a part-time custodian and Maxine Spencer as
an elementary cafeteria employee. Resignations were received from Samantha
Shoemaker, a custodian; Bryan Brown, the intramural and traveling team
coach for sixth-grade boys basketball; and Kristine Poland, junior-senior
high school guidance secretary.

At a glance

Under the approved timeline to consider random drug testing at the
Junior-Senior High School:

The school board will study the policy until a final vote in March 2005;

Oral testing kits will by bought with a grant;

An eight-to 10-member committee will be established to develop the policy
and it will be presented for review in December.