DRUG TESTING AT R-9 SCHOOLS PUT ON HOLD

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education on Monday agreed to wait a year before
implementing a drug testing policy for students.

Steve Montague, board member, agreed to the delay if the board set a
timetable of having the policy completed and to the administration by Jan.
1 to allow them time to introduce the policy to the students and faculty
before the policy begins for the school year 2003-2004.

"I think we are not ready to go forward, but I'm not ready to let it die,"
said Debbie Baugh, board member, who initiated the proposed policy.

Board President Neel Baucom said the board needed to make a decision at
Monday's meeting. He said in talking with citizens, most wonder why they
are not testing the entire student body.

Miriam Putnam, board member, said she had calls from a judge, two
attorneys, teachers, a minister and two former school board members.

"Every one was concerned for the safety and health of our children and all
want to address this issue with confidence," Putnam said. "No one (said
that) they supported random drug policy."

She said they felt the recent Supreme Court ruling will be appealed and in
general found issue with such a policy.

In response, Baugh said she talks to people every day, from attorneys to
parents to students who all favor having a policy. She said her concerns
were for the administration of the drug testing.

Tony Diggs, board member, said he echoed Baugh's response and his contacts
were all positive. He said they liked the fairness aspect. Montague said
the people he talked to did not have a problem with having a drug testing
policy.

Baucom said he heard about the expense of drug testing from people who
wondered if spending $7,000 to $10,000 would be worth the few positive
responses.

"I personally feel we do not have all the kinks worked out. I'm afraid to
approve something not all of us are ready to approve," Baucom said.

After a consensus was reached, Diggs suggested the board attend a Missouri
School Board Association session on drug policies which will be held Oct. 26.

Gary Reed, superintendent, said Ray Harding, athletic director, will attend
a seminar on drug testing in Washington, D.C. this week where he expects to
hear more about the Supreme Court ruling which permits schools to conduct
drug testing on students involved in activities.

Reed said they had some things to work out such as testing band and choir
members where students receive a grade.