COLORADO CITY APPROVES PROGRAM

COLORADO CITY - School trustees have approved a drug testing program for
middle- and high-school students involved in extra-curricular activities.

Following public hearings and meetings of a citizen's committee, the board
voted unanimously Monday to adopt the policy. State attorneys must review
the policy before it can be adopted.

The policy would affect students who participate in activities like
athletics, band and academic competitions.

''The thing I like about the policy is that there is no strike one and the
student is out,'' said Superintendent Jim White. ''On the first test, as
long as they meet their counseling obligations, they will not be removed.''

Students will be removed from extra-curricular activities if they do not
complete prescribed counseling within 30 days after their parent or
guardian has been notified of the positive test results. Students will be
reinstated as soon as they complete the sessions.

A second positive test within the next six testing dates, even if those
days run into the next school year, will mean a 20-day suspension from
extra-curricular activities on the Colorado City Independent School
District calendar. A third positive test will mean a 40-day suspension and
a fourth positive test will mean suspension for a calendar year.

''The citizen's committee of 22 members has done a great job, and they are
to be commended because each one put in about 10 hours of their time,''
said School Board President, Charles Walker.