Pennsylvania: Drug Testing in Schools
CARLISLE, Pa. (AP) _ Cumberland Valley school officials say they will institute
drug testing and want to enlist parents to help deal with student drug and alcohol
abuse.
In a May survey of 615 students in ninth through 12th grades, more than 70
percent reported using alcohol at least once, more than the national average.
Of the seniors surveyed, 84 percent reported using alcohol at least once, compared
with the 76.8 percent nationally.
More than 40 percent of the Cumberland Valley School District students said
they had consumed alcohol within 30 days, 14 percent said they had been drunk
or high in school, and 44 percent said they didn't believe adults in their
neighborhoods thought underage drinking was wrong.
"
The most disheartening finding of the survey is that so many students believe
adults don't mind if they drink," school board President Karen Christie
said. "We need to work with the community on this. The district can't
do it alone."
The district is instituting a random drug-testing program for students involved
in sports, clubs and other activities that Walker said will give students
a reason to refuse offers to drink and use drugs.
