DRUG TEST POLICY DIVIDES DUNELAND

CHESTERTON -- The Dune-land School Board heard plenty of opinions Monday
about a proposed random drug-testing policy.

The School Board is considering taking up the controversial policy again
after a supreme court case that ruled random drug testing is constitutional.

Random testing of students involved in extracurricular activities as well
as those who drive to school is being considered.

In addition, Duneland has been abuzz in recent weeks over concerns about
illicit drug use among the community's youth.

In a recent town meeting, criticism was hurled at the school district about
what the schools were doing to combat drugs.

School Board president Michael Griffin said that random drug testing was
discussed prior to the recent discussions in the community about drugs.

"This is not the school board reacting to what has taken place at town
board meetings," Griffin said.

Estelle Chaddock, dean of students at Chesterton High School, gave a
presentation about the school's Positive Life Program.

"Are we doing something in Duneland? You bet we are. We're doing a lot,"
Chaddock said.

"We're not different from any other community around here," she said. "One
of the biggest things we need is parent education. We need a partnership."

"If our parents are not in partnership with us, we have lost this battle,"
Chaddock said.

Parents turned out at the meeting to weigh in on both sides of the issue.

Natalie Halpin said she shared the board's concerns but she was opposed to
random drug testing.

"We do not need to diminish our children's constitutional rights at the
school level," Halpin said.

She suggested that canine drug teams make frequent and unannounced visits
to the school.

"I don't really know a solution, but I'm not ready to abdicate my right to
privacy," Halpin said.

Paul Childress, parent and Porter Town Council member, disagreed.

"I believe the school system has an obligation to keep my children safe
from the drug problem," Childress said.

"It's not like we're trying to get criminal action against these children,
we're trying to get them help," he said.

Parent Kim Goldak supported the idea.

"I do believe in drug testing. Sometimes parents are just clueless," she
said. "If the school would let me know, I would act on it."

Parent Trudi Gallagher said although she doesn't agree with the concept in
general, she's concerned that drug-free children would have to submit to a
drug test.

"I do have a problem that just because my daughter wants the privilege of
playing in the high school orchestra, she has to submit to drug testing,"
Gallagher said.

Chesterton High School Principal Jim Goetz said he would present some
recommendations on the issue at the next board meeting May 3.