NEW MURRAY DRUG POLICY GETS AN 'OK'

CHATSWORTH - Members of the Murray County Board of Education approved
a policy Monday to randomly give drug tests to students involved in
extracurricular activities.

The board approved superintendent Charlotte Pipkin's recommendation by
a 5-1 vote.

France Adams, chairman Alan Kendrick, Alan Ridley, Greg Shoemaker and
Billy Webb voted in favor of the measure.

Faye Brindle voted against it because she is "opposed to some of the
penalties."

Pat Hooker was not present.

In a work session before the meeting, Brindle said that she had a
"problem" with the listed policy for a first-time offense.

"It's a little harsh, it's setting the kids up for failure," she told
other board members, adding that she is concerned about a student
being "marked" by not being allowed to participate in school activities.

The policy requires a student who tests positive for a first-time
offense to be suspended from four consecutive school events, such as
games or meets, but they are still allowed to attend practices. The
student must also attend a conference with their coach and principal,
be evaluated for chemical dependency and be retested before again
participating in school events, Pipkin said recently.

"They make that decision," Kendrick said in response to Brindle's
concerns.

"They have to suffer the consequences," he said.

But Brindle said she thinks it's a "personal" matter that should be
dealt with by coaches, parents and the principal for a first-time offense.

"If they choose to take drugs, they need to be responsible for the
consequences," said Ridley.

"I agree ... but sometimes (kids) do stupid stuff," Brindle said.

"Drugs aren't a mistake, it's intentional," said Webb, adding that he
doesn't think the policy is harsh enough.

Students who test positive a second time are suspended for nine
consecutive school events, and if there is a third positive test, the
student is excluded from all extracurricular activities for the rest
of his or her time at a Murray County school.

The board also voted 4-2 that students must pass the state's
graduation exam before participating in a graduation ceremony, a
policy that will be put into the new student handbook.

Kendrick, Ridley, Shoemaker and Webb voted for the policy. Adams and
Brindle voted against it.

In May, the board voted to let some students walk in the graduation
ceremony who had not passed the exam, though the handbook said then
they were not allowed.

Gary Mealer, principal of Murray County High School, told board
members Monday night that the policy is needed because allowing
non-passing students to walk is a "discredit to kids who do pass" the
graduation test.

Mealer said students are given five chances to pass the exam, starting
in their junior year, and students who don't pass are given the option
to receive free tutoring.

Brindle said she thought students might be tempted to go to Whitfield
or Dalton City Schools where she said the policy is not in place.

"They're not changing (their policy)," she said.

Mealer pointed out that the students would still have to meet state
requirements to graduate through another school system.