SYSTEM'S DRUG POLICY UNDER CLOSER SCRUTINY

Hartselle's Board of Education could deal with questions related to
the on-going student drug controversy as early as its next meeting.

In a letter sent to Mayor Clif Knight, Board President Susan Puckett
said the board is coming up with a list of questions and concerns
related to the system's drug policy. The board has a meeting
scheduled for May 13 at 5 p.m. at the school board.

The questions are the result of the controversy surrounding the
collapse of two Hartselle High School students last month. Drug tests
were administered to both students. School officials initially said
the results of both tests were negative, but later reversed that,
saying one of the students had tested positive for marijuana.

Following the outcry over the response to the incident, Hartselle
Superintendent Dr. Lee Hartsell said the board would form a committee
to look at the existing drug policies.

In her letter, Puckett said board members have been asked to "bring
any questions they have regarding these issues," to the next meeting.

"Answering the questions and concerns...requires a review of
policies, a review of the actions of individuals, a determination of
the ways in which policies or procedures may be improved, as well as
how new policies may address those concerns," Puckett said.

Puckett warned, however, against expecting an immediate solution.

"The city of Decatur has spent a year going through the process of
developing such a policy," she said. "The process of establishing
policy is one that must be made with deliberation and by its nature
is not accomplished quickly."

Knight said he is "encouraged" by the school's board's willingness to
look at its policies.

In a letter sent to the board on April 19, Knight said he was
"encouraged that you all (the board) have initiated the effort to
come up with a random drug testing policy for our school system."

Knight said he also believes it would be productive for the school
board and city council to meet at least twice a year. Hartselle's
City Council appoints school board members but has no direct control
over its actions.