WALLINGFORD TO CONSIDER DRUG TESTING FOR ATHLETES

WALLINGFORD -- Board of Education member Nicholas Economopoulos is
asking school district officials to consider drug testing for
students who take part in sports and other extracurricular activities.

Economopoulos made a formal request Monday night to have the item
placed on an agenda for the board's policy committee. Such a request
is necessary if the full board is to consider making it a district policy.

Economopoulos, a Democrat, is seeking a spot on his party's Town
Council ticket.

"I'd like to see it passed before I leave the board," said
Economopoulos, who said his request is not motivated by November's
municipal elections.

"I just feel it's hypocritical to spend all this time on nutrition
in our schools and not address the issue of drugs."

But board Chairman Thomas Hennessey acknowledged that drug use must
be addressed, but in a careful and thoughtful manner.

"I'm not rushing into it because it's something that we need to look
at all the pros and cons," Hennessey said following the meeting.
"This is not a board that is a stranger to controversy. But we have
to look at all the costs involved."

That includes the cost of drug testing, which Hennessey estimated to
be $200 to $300 per test.

Parent Joanne Robertson spoke in favor of testing athletes for
drugs, alcohol and performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids.

"The athletes are looked up to by the other students," Robertson
said after voicing her support of testing to the board.

"It's a double-edged sword, though, because there are some kids who
only keep coming to school so they can play sports. You'd have to
consider what would happen to them."

Robertson said that Economopoulos "has always been a magnet for
controversy," but added that she believes that this is not part of
his effort to gain a seat on the Town Council.

"My gut feeling is that he has the best interests of the kids at
heart with this," Robertson said.

Hennessey, a Republican, said to nobody in particular as he left the
meeting, "I'm sure it will be an issue throughout the election season."