RANDOM TESTS COSTLY

The U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, ruled in favor of allowing school
districts to administer random drug tests to students who participate in
extracurricular activities.

But don't expect drug testing at area high schools anytime soon.

For good reason, administrators in the Kern High School District are
reluctant to administer such tests. First, there is no evidence that there
is widespread use of drugs among students. And conducting the tests would
be costly, siphoning away much-needed educational funds that can be better
used in the classrooms.

The cost for tests that would detect only one substance abuse are in the $2
to $10 range. More comprehensive tests can cost as much as $75 per student.

David Reese, principal of Bakersfield High School, emphasized that the
district has a zero-tolerance policy on students using drugs. Violation of
the policy can lead to suspensions or expulsion.

"We spend a lot of time educating our kids about steroids and the
disciplinary measures are extremely tough," Reese said. "I'm not naive and
won't say zero (students use drugs. But) to implement a program of
mandatory drug testing, I don't see an absolute need for it." He believes
that any testing would show that most students do not use drugs.

Administrators already are allowed to search lockers for illegal drugs. No
doubt, testing would calm some parents' fears about drug use among teen-agers.

But parents themselves should accept the burden of making sure their
offspring know about the dangers of drug use and closely monitor their
behavior.

However, high school administrators should keep open the option of random
drug testing if a problem becomes obvious.

West High School Principal Bill Bruce told The Californian testing for
students in extracurricular activities can be beneficial, but the costs
could quickly add up.

"If there was random testing, it would prove this to be a very small number
of kids and could even prevent some of those from using it," he said.

He believes that if any random drug testing program were set up, it should
include students in all extracurricular activities, not just sports. "I
think if we say our athletes have to be tested, well, they all ought to be
held to the same standards. We shouldn't treat athletes any differently
than those in other activities."

However, athletes are the most prone to make an error in judgment due to
the permeation of strength-enhancing drugs in professional sports.

For example, former baseball stars this summer said they believe steroid
usage among major league players is widespread.

It is normal for teen-agers to emulate professional athletes -- even for
the wrong reasons.

If coaches alert administrators of concern that some of their players are
exhibiting signs of drug abuse, they should be able to administer tests to
athletes without necessarily involving members of the speech or drama club.
Conversely, if teachers suspect strange behavior of members in the speech
or drama club could be caused by drug usage, those students could be tested
without inclusion of members of the baseball team.

Flexibility should be the rule. Meanwhile, the good news is that
administrators, coaches and teachers don't see signs of widespread drug
abuse among students.