STUDENT DRIVERS MUST PARTICIPATE IN DRUG TEST, PROPOSAL SUGGESTS

JEFFERSON - If approved, student drivers will not only need a parking
sticker next year, but also a drug test, according to a Jefferson
Independent School District's drug testing proposal.

"We're proposing to institute a drug testing program for students who
want to participate in extracurricular activities or drive a vehicle
to school," said superintendent Richard Cook. Jefferson has not had a
drug-testing program before.

The district will hold a public forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss
the proposal. The meeting will be in the board room at the school's
central office, 1600 MLK Drive.

"It's a safety and welfare issue," Cook said of the proposal. "It'll
make our campus safer."

Board president Ricky Harrington said providing an education in a
drug-free environment will prevent injuries and altercations caused
by students being on drugs.

Harrington said the school has had one or two incidents involving
drugs, but school officials want to take a proactive approach to stop
them.

Cook said about 80 percent of the student body will be tested.
Students involved in all extracurricular activities including band,
student council, UIL academic teams and sports, will have to be tested.

Harrington said he thinks it is good that student drivers also will
have to be tested because "if they're using drugs, they're
endangering themselves and everyone that drives."

Cook said that after the initial test, students will be tested
randomly.

"It's gotten to the point in society that it's worth having a test
just as a deterrent if nothing else," he said.

The program will cost the school between $10,000 and $12,000. The
drug testing company, Southwest Consortium of San Angelo, will be
available Tuesday night for questions.

Harrington said he's hopeful the program will be approved by the
board's June meeting.

Since the program is new, he said they will take their time making
sure it is implemented right and all concerns are addressed.

"If we don't get it done by August, we'll move it back," he said.