PERCEPTIONS ARE OFTEN WORSE THAN THE TRUTH

Hartselle school officials don't want to overreact to the drug-testing
controversy over two baseball players who passed out in school, but later
tested negative for use of any illegal substance.

Superintendent Lee Hartsell is taking the middle road in handling the
situation and recommending that the school board appoint a committee to
look at developing a drug-testing policy.

That's not exactly a bold move, yet it may be the best one, given the known
facts in the case and the rumors.

Stonewalling, by refusing to concede the possibility of some students using
drugs or that better procedures may be needed, would not be a proper response.

Neither would giving in to any motivation for keeping the controversy alive
a good solution.

City Councilman Allen Stoner questioned how the school officials handled
the player situation, and the police chief, brought into the controversy a
week after the incident, declined to get involved in validating the steps
taken after the students collapsed.

Developing a drug-testing policy can be tricky, and, as the superintendent
said, expensive. But with its credibility questioned, the school board
needs to take action to reassure the public.

Hartselle schools attract students because of their reputation for
excellence. Allowing unfounded rumors about an isolated incident to
continue, or refusing to deal with reality, will tarnish that good image.