High School's plan for random student drug testing is hard sell to parents

From the Santa Fe New Mexican.com - by Robert Nott - St. Michael's High School in Santa Fe is going forward with random drug testing of students using hair samples in fall 2012.  Principal Sam Govea made that announcement during a parental forum the school hosted at its Siringo Road campus early Wednesday morning.  About 15 parents attended the meeting, and based on the comments some made, opinions regarding the policy remain divided. Earlier this month, the private Catholic school, which serves about 700 students in grades seven through 12, notified parents that it was considering enacting a drug-testing policy. Parents immediately posted comments on the school's Facebook page, some supporting the plan and others criticizing it. During Wednesday's 7:30 a.m. meeting, Govea said the policy will become effective next semester, and that the school is altering some of its original thoughts regarding the plan. He said the policy will be called "random +" -- with the + sign emphasizing education, intervention and support for students who test positive for drugs the first time. He added that the school is talking with staff and faculty members about the possibility of testing employees as well. Read more

High School's plan for random student drug testing is hard sell to parents