BOARD ADOPTS SCHOOL DRUG TESTING POLICY

Marshall County adopted a substance abuse policy Monday that is
connected to student parking privileges.

A similar policy is being considered by the Albertville City Board of
Education and could be acted on next month. Superintendent Dr. Barry
Kirkland said he gave Albertville the policy to look at. Neither
system had any random drug testing in place, but Kirkland said the
policy was effective Tuesday.

The Shelby County Board of Education has such a policy on its
books.

Essentially, for a student to get a parking permit at a high school,
he or she must sign a consent form agreeing to random testing for
drugs, tobacco and alcohol. If the student refuses, no parking permit
is issued.

School board member James Watkins asked Kirkland what would happen
when a student tests positive for illegal drug use.

"Court referral would handle the case if we find a positive result,"
Kirkland said. "The superintendent would make a decision [on a course
of action], and further testing would be at the cost of the student. A
hearing officer would be appointed. If there were a lot of
disagreement, it could come before the board of education."

Board member John Allen made the motion to approve the policy, with a
second from board member Ed Wright.

Asked about the policy, Marshall County District Attorney Steve
Marshall said he is recommending the policy.