B'VILLE SCHOOL BOARD SEEKS INPUT ON PROPOSED STUDENT DRUG TESTING

Bartlesville Public School Board members want to obtain public input on a
proposed student drug testing policy and procedure, school officials
announced Wednesday.

Board members say public comment is important to ensure that the district
develops a plan where the bottom line will be reduced drug and alcohol
usage among secondary students at the Mid High School and the Bartlesville
High School.

"No decision has been made yet as to the actual procedures of this proposed
plan," said BPS Board President Tom Carlisle. "Our goal is not to trap and
punish students who use drugs. In fact, it is counterproductive simply to
punish students without trying to alter their behavior. That's why we would
endorse helping kids, not simply punishing. It is the Board's
responsibility to deter drug and alcohol usage."

The proposed plan includes random testing for students involved in
extracurricular activities as well as for students parking on school
district property. Extracurricular activities include interscholastic
competitions such as athletics, band, vocal music, orchestra and academic
teams.

In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court broadened the authority of public
schools to test students for illegal drugs, officials say. The court ruled
to allow random drug tests for all middle and high school students
participating in competitive extracurricular activities. The ruling greatly
expands the scope of school drug testing, which previously had been allowed
only for student athletes.

"Research shows that people who make it through their teenage years without
using drugs are much less likely to start using them when they are older,"
Carlisle said. "So if testing can help keep kids off drugs and alcohol, if
it can help free young minds for learning and allow growing bodies to
escape the devastating cycle of dependence or addiction, it will be a
valuable and important new tool."

In fact, a recent Safe School Student Survey, conducted by Safe and Drug
free Schools Program Coordinator Bridgette Laramie, revealed that 58
percent of seniors reported drinking more than a few sips of alcohol and
that 47 percent admitted to getting drunk or very high. Another 34 percent
reported to smoking marijuana or hashish. Ten percent said they used cocaine.

The survey also revealed that 50 percent of high school students said
marijuana was easily available at the school site, and 45 percent said beer
was also readily available.

At the Mid High School, 25 percent of students admitted to drinking more
than a few sips of alcohol, and 25 percent drank enough alcohol to get
drunk or very high.

"This local research coincides with national research in that it indicates
drug and alcohol usage increases with age," said BPS Superintendent Dr.
Gary Quinn. "Bartlesville Public School students are actually no different
than other schools in terms of drug and alcohol usage, so it would be
unfair to say we have a significant problem. However, alcohol and drugs do
exist within our district and it is our intent to decrease the usage and
provide an avenue to help students kick these habits."

Public comment will be accepted July 7 through 18 through the methods and
addresses listed below. Copies of the proposed policy and regulations may
be obtained by calling 336- 8600, ext. 35. The public is also invited to
make comment at the July 21 school board meeting, which is scheduled to
begin at 7 p.m. at the Education Service Center. Once the public comment
deadline has passed, the compiled information will be submitted to BPS
Board members for review.

Citizens may offer input by contacting any of the following:

Superintendent's Office: QuinnGW@bartlesville.k12.ok.us; Community
Relations e-mail: AmesTL@bartlesville.k12.ok.us; Education Service Center,
Attention: Public Comment, 1100 S. Jennings, Bartlesville, OK 74003.
Telephone: 336-8600, ext. 14.