MANY SIDES TO DRUG TESTING

Following several public meetings in 2001 and many individual group
meetings, the Conway Board of Education voted to adopt a drug testing
policy. Within a short period of time, it was learned that the U. S.
Supreme Court was considering the constitutionality of testing students
involved in extracurricular activities in schools.

Therefore the board decided to postpone the activation of the policy until
the constitutionality issue was decided This summer the court's ruling
allowed the testing of individual students in a random manner.

The board, at this time, looked again to the proposed policy and felt that
it wasn't specific enough for the district's needs.

With leadership from our new superintendent James Simmons, administrators,
teachers, individuals from our community and board members, a new,
more-encompassing policy has been written.

This has not been a knee-jerk reaction based on whims of only a few. The
countless hours of writing, rewriting and scratching heads has been taken
on for one reason -- to do what is best for our kids.

This situation has evoked highly charged emotions both pro and con.
Individuals have brought petitions and shared their personal opinions. Many
have presented documentation from professional and educational authorities
who have cited a lack of research to determine if testing works. Others
point out that drug testing has worked in their districts and cite the ease
of application and apparent low positive numbers to be found over time in
their testing.

We have heard anecdotal accounts of people who have been saved from future
drug use because of intervention after having tested positive in
drug-testing programs. Members of the board have been approached by parents
who have told us that their children have a drug problem and fear that they
will opt out of extracurricular activities to avoid drug testing. These
parents have cited research that indicates that participation in
extracurricular activities is a deterrent to drug use.

What if testing pushes students away from activities into further drug
involvement? On the other hand, we have parents who want all students,
whether involved in extracurricular activities or not, to be tested to be
sure their children are not taking drugs.

These diametrically opposed reactions to drug testing are valid -- personal
opinion is based on individual differences in experiences, ideologies,
values and expectations. It is left to the board to take emotion out of
this issue and come to a rational decision to meet our district's needs.

Many questions have been answered to the individual board member's
satisfaction concerning the drug-testing policy.

There are, however, numerous questions remaining.

We continue to be unsure of the cost due to the large number of students to
be tested, although any cost is feasible if it will deter drug usage among
our students.

The board is comfortable with the validity of the tests although we would
prefer a broader spectrum testing, such as steroids, but that is cost
prohibitive. The board is adamant that the patrons of the Conway School
District understand no individual, groups or representatives of groups
drove or pushed this board to take a position.

It is noted that many have been helpful in providing information concerning
drug testing and the varying perspectives and insights are greatly
appreciated. Taking all of this into consideration, the board is in an
evolving process of attempting to arrive at a solution that will be most
beneficial for our students.

We know we have a drug problem.

Anyone who believes that we do not are sadly mistaken.

We have been told that this is a problem that should be addressed by
parents, not the school.

We, in theory, couldn't agree more. However, the problem continues to escalate.

The board is now researching counseling programs to serve as prevention or
intervention. We want to try to give kids more confidence to avoid drug use
by providing information to them as they begin school and throughout their
public education comprehensive awareness program.

There are many questions remaining at this time and the possibility of
other effective programs will be investigated. We are now going to take a
vote to decide if we will have testing beginning this year. We know our
decision will please some, displease others, but we as a board have to
reach a degree of certainty that what we are doing for our children is in
their best interest.

We urge all parents to get involved in your children's lives.

Knowing where your kids are and what they are doing is a critical factor in
drug prevention. Encourage them to participate in extracurricular school
and in positive social activities away from school.

As parents, be there to observe and participate in your children's lives.

They deserve it.

We have a top-notch educational system.

Let's work together to continue the search for the optimal ways of reaching
all students in the Conway School District.