LISD TRUSTEES, OFFICIALS PONDER MANDATORY DRUG TESTING

Longview Independent School District trustees this month will consider a
mandatory drug testing policy for students in extracurricular activities --
something neighboring Pine Tree implemented a year ago.

"The intent for the Pine Tree ISD drug testing policy was for it to be
preventative in nature. Because of that intent, I think it has been very
positive," said Kathy Allen, assistant superintendent of personnel at Pine
Tree.

She said the program hasn't found a high number of drug or alcohol abusers
but several students tested positive and received drug education counseling.

"Students have told us they have avoided drugs and alcohol because they
wanted to be able to participate in UIL," she said.

The program randomly tests students in grades seven through 12 who are in
athletics or other extracurricular activities.

Spring Hill ISD also has a mandatory drug testing policy for high school
athletes, cheerleaders and drill team members.

Pat Collins, the director of extracurricular activities at Longview ISD,
said the details of his district's plan are still being worked out. LISD
now has a voluntary drug testing policy.

Last month, administrators brought a recommendation to trustees to test
student athletes in grades nine through 12 during the upcoming school year.
The program would have been phased in to include other extracurricular
activities and grades seven and eight in following years.

Some trustees at the June 14 meeting said they would rather see the program
established for all extracurricular activities -- not just athletics.

"We wanted to extend it a little so we touch more kids," Collins said.

The issue is expected to be discussed again July 12.

Collins said there are about 1,700 seventh-through 12th-grade students in
some type of extracurricular activity at LISD.

He said he and other administrators are making adjustments to the proposal
and will bring a final recommendation to trustees during the July 12 board
meeting.

Collins said it is a privilege to participate in extracurricular
activities. That's why the school district can legally require students
participants to submit to testing.

"You've got to stick with those groups who are doing (the activity) because
they want to, not because they have to," Collins said.

Pine Tree's Allen said between 700 and 800 students were tested during five
random periods in 2003-04. About 350 of those tested were high school
students. The school district has a contract with a private laboratory to
administer the tests, Allen said.

A computer randomly selects which students will be tested.

Like Pine Tree, Longview school officials have said the goal of the policy
is to prevent drug and alcohol abuse and provide counseling to students who
test positive.

Collins said he doesn't think Longview ISD has a drug problem, but the
proposed policy will deter students from making wrong choices about drugs
and alcohol because they don't want to give up their privileges of playing
football or singing with the choir, he said.

At Pine Tree, a student who tests positive for the first time is suspended
from all extracurricular activities for 30 days. Students may continue to
attend practice sessions.

First-time violators also must attend substance abuse counseling.

Students who test positive more than once are not allowed to participate in
any aspect of extracurricular activities, including practices, travel,
competitions or performances for the remainder of the school year.

Third-time violators are removed from extracurricular participation for the
remainder of their student career at the district.

Collins said Longview also will have sanctions in place for students who
test positive.