BOE shoots down random drug testing
Students at Marion High School and Middle School won't undergo random drug testing by the district.
Board of education members, citing budget concerns, privacy issues, and questions about effectiveness, said Monday they weren't interested in renewing a drug testing policy.
The policy would have required students to agree to submit to a random drug test before participating in extracurricular activities.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently declared such policies legal.
Board president Rex Savage said the policy would provide a valuable deterrent to youths who use drugs even occasionally. Since parents could include their child in the random drug test group, even if the child wasn't involved in extracurricular activities, it would give families another weapon in the battle against drug use, he said.
Member Gene Bowers said parents and schools shouldn't pretend drug testing will solve the real problem.
"We all know our biggest problem at the present time is alcohol," he said. "And drug testing by the school doesn't work, unless they got really drunk the night before."
Bowers said early use of alcohol and other drugs have serious consequences. The district should spend the money in ways more effective than drug testing.
"Statistically, the longer you put off the first time (use of drugs or alcohol), the better off you are," he said. "You're more likely to become an alcoholic if your first drink is at 14 instead of at 19."
Member Keith Collett wants the current drug policy to remain in use at least another year. The district has taken action against students, including expulsions, for drug use.
"It seems to have had an effect," he said. "And I'm concerned about embarking on a $20,000 to $25,000 project this budget year."
After other board members expressed similar concerns, Savage said the issue would be tabled indefinitely.
"We said we wanted to discuss it after the Supreme Court made its ruling, and we have," he said.
In a related matter, the district may adjust its current drug and alcohol policy to more clearly state that violations that occur in the summer could have an affect on student participation in the school year.
The current policy has a series of graduated sanctions for violations, which include missing some extracurricular activities. But it seems to specify violations "during the school year."
"I don't want to be in a position where we tell our children to confine their underage drinking to the summer," Collett said.
Not all members were comfortable with the proposed change. Doug Sharp said the district was "making criminals out of people who don't need to be made into criminals."
Budget
Board members approved the 2003 budget.
The mill levy is about the same but higher valuation and a change in procedure will produce more cash.
A new law requires all special education income to first go to districts' general funds. The money must be passed on to the special education programs, but since it increases the general fund, local schools consequently receive a larger share of tax dollars through local option budgets.
These budgets are a percentage of the general fund. If the general fund is larger, the same percentage raises more money.
Officials said reports that state income is falling below projections makes it likely the state will reduce part of this year's state aid payment.
"We are expecting cuts of anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 this year," said Martin Tice, business manager. "All purchases will be delayed to protect cash flow for salaries."
The district can temporarily delay cuts in personnel by delaying bus replacement and maintenance projects, but at some point, that work will need to be done, officials said.
"It will come back to haunt us," Tice said.
Personnel cuts aren't likely this year. District officials say it would be difficult or impossible to cut teaching staff, since all have a signed contract. However, the board will again begin discussing employment changes early in 2003 for the following school year.
"It ought to be across the board — buses and personnel," said member Roger Hannaford III.
Member Doug Sharp said the district's general fund has grown steadily for the past 10 years. While much of the growth is due to increased enrollment, higher valuation, and a voter-approved bond issue, the board has to make hard decisions on funding, he said.
"In light of conditions in our state and county, those tax notices will come in the fall, and there will be a lot of people who see income," he said. "If you're not making money, it's hard to pay taxes."
"It's not going to be a fun year budget-wise, and everyone needs to realize that," Savage said.
In other reports:
The board voted unanimously to participate in the community revitalization plan for Florence. The plan gives property tax rebates at varying levels over 10 years to properties in the program that meet requirements.
MHS Singers were one of only six groups selected to perform this winter at the Kansas Music Educators Association conference, announced MHS Principal Ken Arnhold. They were selected based on an audition tape.
Principals said their teachers were excited about the school year and looking forward to seeing the kids.
