FAIR WAGES ENOUGH FOR HSTA CONTRACT OK

THE ISSUE: Public school teachers have ratified a contract that
requires random drug tests.

THOUGH a drug-testing provision drew objections, Hawaii's public
school teachers ratified a new contract largely because it contains
fair wage increases and other financial benefits.

One of them, an annual $3,000 differential, could attract licensed
teachers to rural schools often short of experienced educators.
Another, a 25 percent pay supplement, would properly reward teachers
who guide students in out-of-classroom activities that broaden
exposure to the arts, which have been de-emphasized due to No Child
Left Behind demands.

Some teachers were offended by the random drug-testing clause. The
contract was approved by 61 percent of teachers who voted, a steep
drop from two years ago when 93 percent voted to ratify. About 38
percent voted to reject the contract while nearly 5,000 other members
of the Hawaii State Teachers Association didn't bother to cast ballots.

The provision was a non-negotiable item submitted by the Lingle
administration late in the contract talks, evidently a reaction to six
recent drug-related arrests of Department of Education employees.
Considering the DOE has more than 13,000 employees, the six arrests
might not indicate a widespread problem. However, other public workers
are subject to drug tests upon hiring and during their employment.

HSTA officials say the provision could hamper teacher recruitment, but
pay and benefits likely would be the primary factors for someone
considering a job.

Some teachers who voted for ratification say they aren't worried about
drug tests, which indicates they don't use illegal drugs. Nonetheless,
forgoing a civil right often isn't an issue until one is confronted
with its loss, and education officials should make sure tests are
conducted fairly.