Drug testing policy gives way to classes

The Columbia County school board on Tuesday abandoned a policy requiring random drug tests of pupils attending the county's alternative school.

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Instead, students at the alternative school must undergo regular classes on drug and alcohol education.

Some board members disagreed with resorting to the education program.

"I just don't think ... education awareness is working," said board Chairwoman Regina Buccafusco. "We're not going to change their minds. ... It's a feel-good thing for ourselves."

The policy hasn't been enforced since 2002, Superintendent Charles Nagle told board members.

Previously, drug awareness classes were required only for students caught violating the school's drug and alcohol policy. If a student tested positive for drugs again, the policy required that he or she be banned from attending school.

"What are we going to do with the kids if they test positive?" Nagle asked board members. "Are we going to put them out of school? I don't think we want to do that."

Students with drug addictions are better served by remaining in the alternative school to receive counseling, Nagle said.

Board member Mike Sleeper said eliminating the policy sends the wrong message.

"It seems like we're weakening our stance," he said.

Board attorney Pete Fletcher said students in other states have challenged similar drug policies in court and won. He also pointed out that though random testing is banned, school officials still might insist that a student submit to a drug test if they have "reasonable suspicion" that a student is under the influence.

The policy elimination passed with a 3-2 vote, with Buccafusco and Sleeper opposed.

Also on Tuesday, school officials decided to offer free clinics to administer the H1N1 vaccine next month in each public school.

Though officials are unsure when the vaccine will become available, or when the clinics will be held, the shots or nasal sprays will be offered free to adults and to pupils with parental consent.

Already, seasonal flu clinics will be held next month in each of the county's middle schools, but those shots cost $25 and the FluMist nasal sprays cost $30.

Earlier this year, officials set a policy banning pupils and workers from attending school if they had a fever of 100 degrees or higher.