CARTHAGE BOARD TO FURTHER DISCUSS DRUG-TEST POLICY

CARTHAGE, Mo. - Issues raised earlier will be more thoroughly discussed
before a decision is made on a proposed drug-testing program for Carthage
athletes, members of the Carthage R-9 School Board agreed Monday night.

Members, at the suggestion of Neel Baucom, board president, agreed to
discuss the proposal at a June 3 work session.

He said earlier discussions had raised "several complex issues that need to
be resolved" and that a work session would give the board an opportunity
for more detailed review.

The program currently under review would authorize random testing of school
athletes in grades seven through 12 who are involved in interscholastic sports.

In a recent public forum on the proposal, the issue most frequently raised
had to do with "targeting" athletes in the testing. Those who questioned
the proposal said that if the district adopts a drug-testing program, it
should include all students.

"Of course, we can't do that because the courts won't allow it," Baucom
said. "There has been a suggestion that parents of other students who want
to could sign a form asking that their children be included in the testing."

Drug testing of athletes is allowed under a 1995 Supreme Court decision.
Testing might be expanded to include students in some other
extra-curricular activities, depending on the high court's ruling in a case
heard in March. A decision is expected in June or July on that case, which
originated in Tecumseh, Okla., when a high school choir member objected to
mandatory drug testing required by the school for all participants in
extra-curricular activities such as athletics, band and choir.

Superintendent Gary Reed said other questions yet to be resolved include
the time frame of a program, the frequency of random testing, potential
costs and who would pay for the testing if a program is adopted. The
testing was recommended by a school committee.

Board members discussed holding the 7 p.m. meeting at district offices, but
then agreed to meet at the multipurpose room at Fairview Elementary School.
The larger hall will make sure there is room for those who may want to hear
or comment on the discussions, they said.

In other action Monday, the board:

. Approved bids totaling $80,423 for roof projects at Fairview Elementary,
the high school and technical center.

. Approved bids totaling $19,850 to build walkways, ramps, steps and
footings for the installation of modular classrooms at Fairview and
Columbian elementary schools.

. Approved several new textbooks for the 2002-03 school year.

. Approved plans for a sale of surplus district property on June 25.