DRUG TEST POLICY

After months of debate and discussion, USD No. 353 Wellington made
it's first school drug testing policy a reality.

On Thursday, Aug. 9, members of the school board unanimously passed
the current policy with a 6-0 vote.

Debate on who would be tested, how, how often, and what would be
tested for was up in the air, but after two poorly attended public
meetings were held, the school board came to their decision.

School board President David Peck said there was little opposion to
the testing policy, seeing as it has already been established at
other schools around Kanas including El Dorado. He said students and
parents openly welcomed the policy as an extra way to keep everyone safe.

Concerns on how the students would be picked randomly, violations of
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA),
possible litigation for false positive results, and the effect it
would have on the children were all brought up to the board.

"Drug testing doesn't result in a drug-free school," said retired
Highway Patrol Officer Ed Amrein.

The drug testing policy tests all students who are in
extra-curricular activities at the Wellington High chool and also
those who get parking permits. Students are chosen at random and
tested for 12 major drugs including anabolic steroids, marijuana, and
methamphetamines. A student could also be tested if it is belived
they came to school under the influence.

The original plan didn't include parking, Peck said, but because
there was no way to discipline those students who weren't in
extracurricular activities, parking was brought up as an option. Peck
said there was "overwhelming support" for parking and the suggestion
came outside the committee and from the public.

Dr. Steve Hawks, of the drug testing board, said the policy wasn't
put in place to be punitive, but is as leniant as possible and
includes as much help for the student as possible.

"There's a drug problem in Wellington...and it seemed like a good
plan," said Hawks of the policy.