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SCHOOL BOARD EXPELS STUDENT OVER DRUGS - Questions Asked Regarding Testing Of Personnel |
| (02/17/2004) |
| The Calhoun Board of Education expelled a Calhoun High School student for drug-related use last night, expelling the student for the rest of the school year and requiring monthly drug tests. The board went into executive session discussing the issue for about an hour. Board member Carlene Frederick asked about drug testing for teachers and other school employees. Superintendent Ron Blankenship said such testing is not allowed under current law. Frederick asked if drug testing is done on new hires in the school system. Blankenship said such testing is not allowed on new hires. Board member Burl Simers said "When many new businesses hire employees, they receive a drug test." Simers said school bus drivers are tested. The board recently passed a policy to drug test extracurricular students, either under suspicion or at random. Calhoun Schools is one of three counties in the state adopting the policy, which has been tested in the court system. Public comment against the policy from Calhoun parents or citizens was practically nil when it was being brought before the board. Frederick said if drug testing is to be done on students, it should randomly be done on the entire school population. "We're not reaching the children that need to be reached," she said. The new policy does allow students with a drug problem to obtain help. Blankenship said the policy currently affects about 140 seventh through 12th grade students. It includes academic teams, athletes, cheerleaders, band members, music groups, FHA and numerous other groups. The first response to a positive test is from notifying the parent, counseling and a second drug test within two weeks to various levels of suspension. Students, coaches and parents will be required to sign a drug test consent form before students will be allowed to participate in activities.
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