DRUG-TESTING FOE CITES STUDY

A new study that claims drug testing students doesn't curb drug use is
"overwhelming evidence" that the Conway School District's Board of
Education should repeal the drug policy, Conway resident Bruce Plopper
believes.

The University of Michigan study, published in The Journal of School
Health, surveyed 722 schools. It found that drug use was the same in grades
8, 10 and 12 in schools that have drug testing and schools that don't.

"This is the best evidence we have - it may not be perfect, but it's strong
evidence that we need to revisit the idea," Plopper said.

He sent a letter to each school board member citing the study and asking
them to put the drug-testing issue on the agenda of a board meeting.

Plopper was one of the parents who filed a lawsuit against the district to
end the random drug testing of students in extracurricular activities in
grades 7 through 12. The lawsuit was dismissed, but Plopper said Conway
attorney Lynn Plemmons plans to refile it soon.

"It's illogical and financially absurd to keep pouring money into a program
that may not work at all," Plopper said. He believes money could be better
spent on research-based drug-education programs.

Board President Dr. Terry Fiddler, who voted against the drug-testing
policy in August, said "absolutely not," when asked if he would put the
issue back on the agenda.

"I had my say on what I thought about it ... it is now something the board
has voted on, and it's a policy. If the administration, after speaking to
Mr. Plopper, feels like that's something we need to revisit, or if other
board members feel it's something we need to revisit, that's fine," Fiddler
said.

The policy was approved by a vote of 4-3.

Board member Carolyn Lewis, who also voted against drug testing, agreed.
"This is the first controversial issue we've had since I've been on the
board, and I hate to see this revisited unless one of the board members who
voted for it had a change of thought," she said.

Lewis said she voted against it because she had "overwhelming" calls from
parents asking her to, and only four in support of the drug-testing policy.
She also had concerns that not all students would be tested.

The Supreme Court has ruled that only students in extracurricular
activities may be tested.

"As recently as two weeks ago, I had a parent come up to me ... and say, 'I
want to thank you for your stand on this drug-testing issue,'" Lewis, a
former principal, said.

"You have to represent our community in all the decisions without fear of
repercussions from those who think on the opposite side," she added.

Board member Floyd Balentine, who voted for the policy, said Thursday he is
not going to change his mind.

"I'm behind it 100 percent. He (Plopper) has not shown me anything to make
me feel any different." He said the new study doesn't carry any weight with
him. "We could make anything we want of any study. I am a supporter of the
policy we've got in effect."

There have been two random drug tests this year, and one student tested
positive.

"My answer would be of course you don't find any, you're testing a group of
students that more than 90 percent aren't heavily engaged in drug use,"
Plopper said.

School Resource Officer Eric King said testing students won't stop the drug
problem completely, but he supports it. "I think if it's one life saved,
it's better than no life. Maybe they're a one-time user, and if they get
caught, maybe it'll deter them."

He said often students are involved in "drug-related" incidents, not
necessarily having drugs at school. King also said drug dogs are brought in
the schools for surprise visits but are not allowed to search students.

He believes drug testing, in combination with programs used in the school,
can be effective.

"I think it's getting a little better from the (reduced) incidents we've
had this year, for fear of the drug testing, and some of the programs and
things we've talked about in class."

King said it's also important for parents to say, "It's not going to be
tolerated."