STUDENT DRUG TESTS DEBATED

Members of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education debated Monday the
possibility of implementing a student drug testing program.

Though they took no action on the issue during their monthly meeting, board
members agreed to address the matter again within six months.

Board member Jim Shuping raised the issue of random drug testing of
students, saying he was concerned about the results of a survey presented
to the board in February.

The survey, presented by Ray Shuler, former head of the local Alcoholic
Beverage Control enforcement office, showed that Rowan County students
largely mirror students nationwide in drug and alcohol abuse.

For instance, the survey showed that 39 percent of local high school
students have used marijuana while 66 percent feel drugs are a problem at
their schools.

"Those figures just won't go away," Shuping said.

He said most businesses require pre-employment drug screening, and he
favors the school system initiating a similar program.

Not so fast, said Associate Superintendent Bob Heffern, who said he's
investigated the matter extensively in recent weeks. He said few school
systems in the state or nation have such programs.

Cost is one factor, Heffern said. A single drug screening costs about $25.

But drug testing also could prove a legal nightmare. "There's lots of
controversy," Heffern said. "It becomes a privacy issue. Students and
parents raise legal issues."

Board members were also told that the merits of random drug testing aren't
clear. A University of Michigan study, for instance, showed such testing
doesn't lower substance abuse among students.

Board member Dr. Bettie Starr said she questions the merits of drug testing.

"No one has shown it's an effective tool," she said. "We should look for
something supported by the data."

Heffern was told to report back to the board in September -- and earlier if
the N.C. Department of Public Instruction makes money available for drug
testing.