POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS SET RANDOM TESTS FOR ATHLETES

BENTON - Polk County Schools already have a drug policy in place for
the student body, but students athletes will be randomly tested for
drugs and steroids sometime before school is out.

Polk County Director of Schools Dr. William Wade said, "We are only in
the process. It takes time to implement, but we expect the first round
of tests before the end of school."

He said there is no indication of a drug problem among athletes. The
random tests are to serve as a deterrent. The intention is to randomly
test the entire team.

"The final outcome is to help the student," Wade said.

A positive test will result in suspension from the team for the
remainder of the school year. The school will then assist the parents
or guardians in finding suitable treatment.

"Treatment is up to the parent, but the school will assist in that,"
Wade said.

The testing program will be supervised by former South Polk Elementary
School principal and registered nurse James Jones, who now works in
the central office.

Jones said the 10-panel test will be administered to each team twice
during each year. Only 10 percent of each team will be selected by
drawing names from a hat.

The 10-panel test screens for opiates, barbiturates, marijuana,
heroin, PCP, Benzodiazaphines, steroids and alcohol.

Jones said, "The main things will be marijuana, alcohol and
steroids."

Wade said the comments he has received from parents have been
positive.