Panel outlines proposed student drug test policy
BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN - After months of discussion and forums, the township's school district is getting closer to adopting a policy on random drug testing.

At last month's Board of Education meeting, statistics from a survey about participation rates and overall attitudes on drug use by students were presented. Almost 50 percent of eighth-graders took the initial survey, along with 26 percent of ninth-graders, 17 percent of 10th-graders, 18 percent of 11th-graders, and 11 percent of 12th-graders.

Among the most significant numbers, 40 percent of township 11th-graders who were surveyed said they passed out while drinking, and 40 percent of 12th-graders surveyed said they used alcohol and marijuana.

Interim Schools Superintendent Karen Bilbao said last week that "the district has a program to identify, under reasonable causes, who may be using drugs."

"We need to identify all students that are using drugs, and by having a policy, that will help us," Bilbao said.

A panel of high school nurses, student-assistance counselors and the athletic director fielded questions concerning the policy.

Bilbao said that according to state regulations, the school can test only those students who are involved in extracurricular activities and those seeking permission to bring their vehicles onto school property.

Resident Melody Quirk said that while a student may be an athlete, it doesn't mean he or she may not be under the influence.

"A friend of an athlete may still say, 'Hey, try this.' I think by having a policy, all athletes and students will be better off," Quirk said. "I think this is a wonderful idea."

Bilbao said that parents will receive a courtesy call as to when the test is coming, and that if students refuse to be tested, they will lose the privilege of parking their car on school grounds and/or participating in extracurricular activities.

"Our intent is not to alarm people," Bilbao said. "We want to inform people and let them know what is going on in the school district."

Bilbao also explained that if a student tests positive for drugs, he or she would receive a 30-day suspension from extracurricular activities or have their parking privileges taken away for one year. After the suspension is over, the student must submit to a another test. If they fail it again, a mandatory stint in rehabilitation would commence.

Athletic Director Kevin Haines also commented about why he thinks the policy is worthwhile.

"We need to provide every opportunity to help our kids out," Haines said. "This really is a great tool to let parents know what is going on. Even if it saves just one kid, it'll be well worth it."

Terry George, a student-assistance counselor in her 19th year at Middletown High School South, said that the policy is needed now more than ever due to trends in young people's drug use.

"Drug use is starting at a much earlier age than previously," George said. "Kids taking methamphetamines, cocaine and prescription drugs, it's all on the rise and kids are starting to use this stuff earlier in life now. And it's much more prevalent as well."

George said that drug use has a direct correlation with violence and vandalism.

"But even worse, drug use can ultimately lead to death," George said. "This drug policy is needed in Middletown."

A first reading of the policy was scheduled for last night's Board of Education meeting, with its possible adoption slated for Oct. 23.