SCHOOLS FIGHT DRUG USE WITH TESTS

Auburn city schools are trying to implement new techniques in their
fight against drugs among middle school and high school students.

Auburn city school board officials approved a proposal for voluntary
drug tests in its schools at a meeting last Tuesday.

The plan calls for parents of students in grades 6-12 to choose
whether to have their child tested for drugs.

The proposal suggests all parents volunteer their child for
testing

Those who don't wish for their child to be tested must submit a letter
to the school stating they don't want their child to
participate.

"The main focus of this proposal is on the students," said Joyce
Morgan, assistant superintendent for Auburn city schools. "The goal is
to provide a safe and healthy school district that is free from drugs."

The plan is similar to one already in effect for middle school
students since 1997, Morgan said.

"The previous plan for seventh and eighth graders was similar in that
the drug tests were strictly voluntary for the parents to decide," she
said. "This just takes it a step further and adds it to the higher
grade levels."

Morgan said while the U.S. Supreme Court allows mandatory drug tests
for students under certain conditions, Auburn city schools chose not
to pursue the same course of action.

"This way the parents have a choice as to whether or not their child
gets tested," Morgan said.

Morgan said students who will volunteer and test negative will be
eligible for monetary incentives, including gift certificates and free
trips, while students who test positive will undergo drug counseling.

"Right now every seventh grader is eligible for testing, while all
grades above them will only have a small pool of students who will
actually be tested," Morgan said. "All of the seventh graders who
agree to be tested will be. However, out of the other students who
agree for testing only a certain number will be chosen."

Out of the small pools, any students who test negative will be
eligible for monetary prizes.

In a recent poll of students who will be returning to Auburn City
Schools next year, 68 percent are in favor of the drug tests, Morgan
said.

Jason Wright, principal of Samford Middle School, said he is in favor
of the program.

"I don't see anything but positives for it," Wright said. "It's a
voluntary program where students can have a proactive part in making
their schools safe from drugs."

Wright said because the tests are voluntary, it gives students the
chance to make a decision that could affect extracurricular activities.

"This way it makes it so the students most likely won't want to make a
choice that could negatively affect their teammates," Wright said.

Ultimately the proposal allows students to say `no,' he
said.

While the program has received great support from the Auburn
community, not everyone is in favor of the drug tests, Moegan said.

At a meeting of the drug task force -- a group of students, parents,
community members and school faculty -- some expressed concern about
the need for the school to regulate what they see as a social issue
and not an educational issue.

"I think the schools should attack the problem rather than the
symptom," said David Laband, a professor in the Auburn Forestry and
Wildlife Sciences department.

Laband, whose daughter is a junior at Auburn High School, doesn't see
how drug tests will improve the educational environment at the schools.

"Some people say that it will affect the school environment if there's
talk of drugs in the bathrooms and halls, Laband said. "If that's the
case, then find those who are responsible rather than testing so many
people unnecessarily."

Laband said if parents are genuinely concerned about their child, they
should accept responsibility and have them tested privately.

Involuntary drug testing allows parents to avoid their parental
responsibilities, Laban said.

"It's the camel's nose under the tent scenario," Laband said,
"Premarital sex is just as rampant as drug use among teenagers, so
does that mean we should seek funding to implement a plan against that
because it affects the children's learning environment?"

The school board also approved the purchase of a police K-9 unit --
used to detect illegal substances -- for the 2004-2005 school year.

Morgan said the board also plans to bolster drug education in
classes.

"Currently, all eighth graders and high school students receive drug
education in their mandatory health class," Morgan said. "We plan to
expand that even more in the near future."

While opinions on reducing drug use in schools may vary, ultimately
the goal is the same.

"We want to provide our students with a safe educational environment
that is free from drugs," Morgan said.

Morgan may get that chance when the board votes on the drug testing
policy May 11.

"Nothing will eradicate drugs from schools, but hopefully we can make
a difference," Morgan said.

Drug Testing

* Voluntary for grades 6-12

* Sixty eight percent of city school children support
tests

* Students who don't participate must have letter from
parents

* Those who test negative will be eligible for gift certificates,
trips and monetary prizes

* Those who test positive must get drug counseling

* School board votes May 11.