STATE NOT LIKELY TO CHANGE SCHOOL DRUG TEST POLICIES

JACKSON - A U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding drug testing in public
high schools is not likely to change drug testing policies in Mississippi
because the tests are too expensive, state educators say.

This week's 5-4 ruling allows schools to give drug tests to students
involved in all competitive after-school activities or teams.

Justices said keeping students drug-free outweighs a student's right to
privacy.

Drug tests had been allowed previously just for student athletes and only a
few Mississippi school districts give random drug tests.

"I think the main reason you haven't seen more drug testing is because it's
pretty expensive," said Ennis H. Proctor, executive director of the
Mississippi High School Activities Association.

Tupelo High School has created a random drug testing program.

Last year, the school spent over $15,000 to administer $40 drug tests to
378 athletes. Far more students participate in other competitive
after-school activities, such as band.

Tupelo Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Williams said it's too early to tell
if the school will expand its drug testing program.

"I think all children should be tested," Williams said.

"I do not want to violate their civil rights. It would have to be a
well-thought out policy. I think reasonable suspicion should be a
prerequisite to testing any student."

High school senior Paula Smith, 17, said no prerequisite is necessary for
those who participate in after-school activities "because they are showing
leadership in their schools and they're representing their classmates and
the community."

"A lot of them are going to want to be in certain activities," said Smith,
student body president and a member of the chorus at Oxford High School.
"And if they want to be in it, they'll stop."