ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOLS CONSIDER DRUG TESTING

Next month, Roanoke County parents will be asked to weigh in on the
possibility of starting random drug testing in Roanoke County middle and
high schools.

Four forums on student drug testing will be sponsored by the Roanoke County
Community/Schools Prevention Council. The council includes drug prevention
coalitions from four areas of the county and consists of parents and school
staff.

Some parents have been discussing the option since 2002, when the U.S.
Supreme Court allowed random tests for students involved in extracurricular
activities, said JoAnn Burkholder, Roanoke County's student assistance
program administrator.

Burkholder announced the forums to the Roanoke County School Board on
Thursday night. But before the board makes any decisions, she said, the
community needs to be informed and given the opportunity to share its views.

According to the court's decision, it is constitutional to randomly test
students involved in an extracurricular activity not connected to
academics, which includes sports teams and other activities such as the
chess club. Also, schools can test students who drive to school and use the
school's parking lot.

Both parking and after-school activities are considered a privilege,
Burkholder said, not a requirement for school.

An expert in drug testing will answer questions at the forum, and
Burkholder will present the pros and cons.

Some organizations and school systems think testing can give students a
reason to say no to drugs or alcohol, she said. It can also serve as an
early warning to help students before they become addicted, they think.

Other groups say testing has no effect on student use of illegal
substances. The tests can be expensive, running from $10 to $30 per
student, depending on the type of test. Some think that money is better
spent on education and intervention.

Students wouldn't be punished for having a positive test result, Burkholder
said, but would receive counseling or other services. Parents would also be
notified.

After the forums, the prevention council will compile the information and
report to the school board. In the end, she said, the council may decide it
doesn't want to recommend testing.

The forums will begin at 7 p.m.:

* March 15 at Hidden Valley High School.

* March 23 at the Ramada Inn in Salem.

* March 25 at the Vinton War Memorial.

* March 29 at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren.