BUHS DRUG TESTS PASS FIRST STEP

BRAWLEY -- Drug testing apparently will be a reality at Brawley Union
High School this fall.

The Brawley Union High School District board approved the first
reading of the drug-testing program -- which included the policy,
administrative regulations and parent-student communication -- at
Wednesday's regular meeting.

On May 26 the board will vote on the final portion of the policy,
which means choosing from two or three proposals concerning the
specific drugs for which students will be tested.

Although numerous civil rights groups, parents and students throughout
the nation have denounced random and mandatory school drug testing as
an invasion of privacy, a trampling of the rights outlined in the U.S.
Constitution and a costly procedure, no one has publicly voiced
opposition to the procedure at BUHSD board meetings.

Trustee Bud Smith said he has had numerous phone calls from locals
concerned that testing for steroids will not be included in the policy.

District Superintendent Garth Isom said at the next meeting the board
would be able to decide exactly how in-depth the drug tests will be.

Trustee Rodney Arterberry said the board should request that district
Athletic Director Billy Brewer talk to the board about the steroid
problem, or lack thereof, at the next meeting.

But Arterberry noted that there are so many nutritional supplements
available it would be difficult to detect what is actually illegal.

"Steroids I don't think are a major concern," he said.

Arterberry said he thinks "street drugs" are the real issue and it
would be difficult to justify the high cost of steroid testing if
there is no problem.

The district's drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention grant will
pay for the project.

District officials estimate the cost of the drug-testing program will
range from $35,000 to $65,000 a year. Few schools test for steroids
because the tests can cost as much as $120 or more per person.

For $45, Cal-Test will test for nine drugs, including amphetamine,
methamphetamines, barbiturates, benzodizephines, cocaine, marijuana,
methadone, opiates, codeine, morphine, heroin, PCP, ecstasy and any
blockers.

Beginning in August, the parents of students involved in all
extracurricular activities -- from football to student government --
will have to sign a release form giving the district permission to
require their child to randomly submit to drug tests. About 40 to 60
students will be tested each month.

Board President Tom DuBose said he wants to "further explore the
definition of extracurricular activities."

Although the U.S. Supreme Court specifically declared only students
involved in extracurricular activities can be tested, DuBose said the
district may be able to expand that definition to include activities
such as school dances and proms.

Brawley will become the only school in the Valley with a drug-testing
policy.