by the Associated Press
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - While the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to expand the scope of drug testing in schools, New Hampshire has stayed away from the idea.
The court last week heard a case involving an Oklahoma school district that required random drug tests for students involved in after-school activities. The court already has ruled that schools may test athletes for drugs, and if it agrees with the Oklahoma school district, it would be taking major step toward allowing drug testing for all students.
In New Hampshire, no schools test students for drugs, according to the Department of Education. Only a few districts have tried to begin programs, and all have been defeated.
“I understand people’s urgency to stop kids from abusing drugs, but testing falls short of what we really need to do - establish better communication between kids and adults on the subject,” said state Education Commissioner Nick Donahue.
In 1997, public pressure toppled a task force’s recommendation to start drug testing at the White Mountain School in Bethlehem. The same year, the Jaffrey-Rindge school board abandoned its fledgling drug testing program.
Schools don’t need to force students to give blood or urine samples to determine whether drugs are a problem, said Franklin Superintendent Richard Lalley.
“There are telltale signs when students are under the influence,” he said. “Teachers, administrators and nursers are trained to observe these signs ... and then call parents and the police.”
Concord Police Chief Jerry Madden said he has mixed feelings about drug testing. He supports efforts to deter student drug use but worries about invading student privacy and about the cost to taxpayers.
He said it would take a serious drug problem among teens for him to support testing in Concord.
“It’s a pretty invasive process,” he said. “I’m not sure I’m there yet for our community.”
But supporters of such testing argue the corrosive effect of drugs makes testing worthwhile.
“When drugs infect a school, learning is crippled,” said David Evans, executive director of the Drug Free Schools Coalition, a national group. “Kids don’t get a good education, and they’re not safe.”