YUKON TO DISCUSS DRUG TESTS

YUKON - School officials will host a community mobilization meeting
Friday to continue discussions about drug problems in the city. "This
is not just a school problem," Superintendent Bill Spaeth said
Wednesday. "We need to make sure everybody, including police, churches
and the community, is working towards solving this problem."

Casey Worthen, student services coordinator for the Yukon School
District, said the meeting will include a presentation from school
officials outlining drug policies, and drug and alcohol resources
available in the community.

The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Friday in the school administration
Building, 600 Maple Ave.

City officials, community leaders, school officials and police began
meeting in June after Shaun Acklin, 15, died of a drug overdose and a
suspected overdose led to the hospitalization of Ethan Marburger, 18.

School officials are looking at instituting a mandatory drug testing
policy for all students participating in middle school and high school
extra-curricular activities.

Spaeth said he thinks there is school board support for drug testing.

He said members are looking at legalities and concerns of parents and
school officials before making a decision. Board member John Nail said
the board will take its time developing a policy.

Spaeth said a parent meeting will be scheduled in September to discuss
the possibility of testing students.

Officials estimate testing would cost about $30,000 annually.