STUDENTS COULD BE SUBJECTED TO DRUG TESTS

Students in the seventh through 12th grades in Paris Independent School
District who participate in extracurricular activities could be subject to
drug testing later this year.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Hudson submitted for first reading Monday a
new drug testing new policy. Trustees plan to review the policy a second
time Friday with final approval expected Aug. 30.

"This will not occur with fall activities but will be implemented at the
most expedient time," Hudson said.

Cost to the district is anticipated at about $20,000 yearly. Students or
parents will be required to pay for all mandatory retesting after any
positive test.

Only students who participate in school-sponsored competitive
extracurricular activities are subject to testing, Hudson said, adding that
the policy is similar to what is in place in many districts and has been
reviewed by an attorney representing the district.

High school students are scheduled for testing prior to participating in an
activity, while students in grades seven and eight would be placed in a pool
for random testing. After an initial test, high school students are subject
to random tests with students selected by a computer.

In answer to a question from trustee George Fisher, Hudson said the
possibility exists for students to be tested several times within a year by
random selection.

"I think we better make that clear to parents up front," Fisher said.

Results are to be kept confidential and will not become a part of a
student's permanent record nor be used in any disciplinary measure other
than suspension from extracurricular activities.

A licensed medical facility or third party administrator selected by the
superintendent and approved by the board will conduct testing for the
presence of drugs in students' urine samples, the policy states.

Substances specifically tested for include those that are illegal to buy,
possess, use, sell or distribute under state or federal law, including
alcohol and prescription drugs.

All positive tests will be confirmed by a second test. If found positive,
notification is made to parents and a designated administrator; a required
conference is scheduled; the student is referred for substance abuse
counseling and is retested with each random testing group for one calendar
year.

Another positive test results in suspension from extracurricular activities
for 30 calendar days with a parent conference and referral to drug abuse
counseling. One more positive test results in suspension from
extracurricular activities for one calendar year along with a parent
conference and continued referral to drug abuse counseling.