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Warsaw's school board Monday received no opposition to a proposed expansion of their drug testing policy for students at Warsaw Community High School.
Only two parents spoke to the board about the policy, and their remarks focused on the repercussions for students who tested positive, not on the testing itself.
The school instituted random testing of student athletes three years ago, and the administration proposed expanding that policy next year to include students who are in extracurricular and cocurricular programs, and those who drive to school.
The testing, said Jennifer Brumfield, assistant principal at WCHS, is a "way to deter drug use and a way to promote a safe environment for all students."
"Our goal is to have Warsaw Community High School a drug-free school and to promote academic performance," she said.
The proposal also called for continuing athletic drug testing, but changing consequences to allow students who test positive to remain on their team but not be allowed to compete for one calendar year.
Students in extracurricular activities who tested positive for drug use would not be allowed to participate in activities or competitions off school grounds but would still be allowed to attend meetings at school.
Drivers who tested positive, including athletes and those in other activities, would lose their driving privileges for nine weeks.
The consequences for vocational students would be decided on a case-by-case basis, Brumfield said, depending on what type of job they did away from school.
Besides the proposed measures for students who test positive, the school would help the student receive drug counseling, and would notify the student's parents of the test results. They also would be subject to searches of their locker, car and person.
Parents who spoke to the board objected only to the proposed disciplinary measures, not to the testing itself.
"Competition is important to an athlete. Keeping them involved will help keep them off drugs," said Dean Zentz, who thought the one-year suspension from competition was too harsh for a first offense. "Keep them participating in that event so they're not out there getting into trouble."
WCHS athletic director Dave Fulkerson said the school's drug testing policy for athletes is one of the strictest in the state. However, he said, no athletes tested positive this past year for drugs, as opposed to eight positive test results last year.
The proposed policy will be discussed again at the board's July 13 meeting, when the board will vote on whether or not to accept the drug-testing policy.
In other business:
• The board awarded contracts for the construction of portable bleacers, and three agri-science classrooms and additional parking spaces at the high school Career Center. The projects will cost a total of $904,400, which will be funded through money generated by refinancing a bond two years ago.
Construction is slated to begin next week, and expected to be completed by Feb. 1999.
• In his annual report to the board, Dennis VanDuyne, WCS technology director, said almost all the school buildings are now linked, and 153 classrooms, or approximately one-third, are wired.
VanDuyne said his department has focused on delivery of resources instead of replacing computer hardware. In 2000, when the replacement plan is due to begin, he said, approximately 80 percent of the computers in the school system will be more than five years old.
• The board congratulated Jeanne McCormack, WCHS business teacher, for being selected WCS teacher of the year; and Bob Bieber, WCHS art teacher, as WCHS teacher of the year.
The board will meet next at 7 p.m. on July 13 in the administration building.
