DISTRICTS DON'T INTEND TO TEST STUDENTS FOR DRUGS

Suburban Jackson County school districts don't test students for drugs, and
they don't intend to start any time soon.

Random tests of middle and high school students came into the limelight
this summer because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The court said it is
constitutionally permissible to test students involved in a broad range of
extracurricular activities.

Until the ruling, such tests were limited to student athletes. But Missouri
education officials said they are not aware of any Kansas City area schools
doing testing.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association bans the use of
drugs, alcohol and tobacco by students in athletics and competitive clubs,
but it does not require tests.

Deciding on and paying for tests would be left to individual districts,
said Stacy Schroeder, assistant executive director of the activities
association.

"I think that every school will view the matter differently, and base any
decision about it on problems they may or may not have with abuse,"
Schroeder said.

Officials in eastern Jackson County districts said they already educate all
students and enforce policies that prohibit the use or possession of drugs,
alcohol or tobacco on school property. The policies dole out penalties
based on the Missouri Safe Schools Act. Penalties range from suspension to
expulsion.

In some cases, criminal charges could be filed for possession or sale of drugs.

Students in competitive activities in many districts must sign a code of
ethics, pledging to avoid controlled substances in and out of school.

"I think the codes and policies clearly designate what we expect from the
student representatives of our schools," said Bob Griffey, assistant
superintendent of Center schools. "And since...we really have not had a
problem, I think that this is a pretty effective way to handle the drug-use
issue."

He said he knows of no plans to pursue random testing.

"I feel like if a school has a serious problem with drug use, then testing
students may be of some value. But if there's no problem, then why do it?"

If Independence schools were to consider testing "we would first form a
group of interested parents, students and teachers, because we would want
to know first how our community felt about the issue," Superintendent Jim
Hinson said.

"I understand the purpose of random drug testing -- it is a safety net for
students," Hinson said, "But it's not an issue for us now. ...If parents
say, 'Hey, we want this to happen,' then it would be looked at."

Officials also would have to consider the cost.

"We already have to pay more now for (academic) testing while state funding
is less," said Terry Murphy, director of public information for Hickman
Mills schools. "Drug testing would be another huge cost."

Each test for the street drugs most often abused by teens -- marijuana,
cocaine, and Ecstasy -- can cost $18 to $20. Tests for steroids can cost
$75 to $80, according to the National Center For Drug Free Sports in Kansas
City.

But Hickman Mills Superintendent John Martin said that if enough
administrators and parents said it would be in the best interest of
students, "we would have to find the money."

Educators also would need training. School officials said they would have a
lot to learn.

"For example, what do they even mean by random?" said Darwin Rold,
coordinator of athletics and activities for Lee's Summit schools. "What
would we be testing for -- marijuana...steroids? What? As I understand it,
there is not one test for everything."

Then there's the issue of which students would be tested. The ruling
mentions only students involved in competitive after-school activities or
teams. Some officials suggest that if any testing is done, all students
should be subject to it.

"Drug use is bad for all students...and all should be held accountable to
the same type of investigation," said Rick Atha, Raytown executive director
of secondary education.

Some parents and students said they would support random tests despite
arguments by others, like Stephanie Dewey, a senior at Archbishop O'Hara
High School who said, "Testing is an invasion of privacy, and I don't agree
with it."

Billa McClain, whose grandson, Chris McClain, attends Delta Woods Middle
School in Blue Springs, disagrees with the privacy argument.

"There is so much going on in the world that I don't think it would hurt to
check them, because it would be for their own good and for their
protection," she said.

Several students said they would be willing to give up their privacy to
assure that school is drug-free.

"When it comes to actions to prevent the use of drugs, I have no qualms,"
said Sean Stewart, a 2002 graduate of Raytown High School and a national
debate champion.

"I say, 'Whatever it takes,' " Stewart said. "Random testing is going to
send a message. Just saying you are going to do it would be a deterrent."

Anna Tantaro, a coach and physical education teacher in the Hickman Mills
district, said she thinks random testing would be a good thing.

"It's a good way for parents to find out," said Tantaro, whose daughter is
a 2002 graduate of Blue Springs South High School and whose son attends
Pembroke Hill.

"As a parent I would want to know. You can't help them if you don't know.
As a coach, I just flat-out ask my students. Sometimes they will tell you
things. But proving it is something else. I think in these precarious times
we are living in, we have to have something to help us out."