School drug tests coming: Finney High School receives federal grant for random screenings of some students.

Finney High School in Detroit received a federal grant Wednesday to start randomly testing some of its students for drug use as early as this fall.

Kanzoni Asabigi, the deputy director of substance abuse prevention at the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, said the three-year pilot program could lead to random drug testing at all public high schools in Detroit.

"This isn't punitive," Asabigi said. "We are making sure the students get the messages that drugs aren't good and can ruin your life. To get a job these days, you have to pass drug tests."

The U.S. Department of Education and the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy announced that Detroit will receive $165,300 the first year, and similar amounts for two subsequent years.

A total of 20 states will receive $5.8 million. Since 2003, when the federal program began, $40 million has been awarded.

"Student drug testing programs promote safer, healthier school environments where students can work toward achieving their full potential," U.S. Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said.

The urine tests will be limited to three types of students: Those who volunteer and have their parents' permission, and those in athletics or competitive school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

The tests will look for use of marijuana, opiod prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines, Asabigi said.

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in Detroit high schools, Asabigi said, citing a 2007 survey by the Centers of Disease Control that found 39 percent of the city's high-schoolers have used it.

Students who test positive won't face disciplinary action, although their parents will be notified, he said. The students will be offered information about substance abuse and its treatment.

Finney Principal Alvin Ward said the starting goal is this fall, but that Superintendent Connie Calloway hasn't yet signed off on the date. Her spokesman didn't return repeated calls.

Currently Finney has 864 students in grades 9 through 12, but anticipates as many as 1,200 students this fall, Ward said.

The federal program conforms to rulings in 1995 and 2002 by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of random student drug testing.

Detroit's grant was the second ever in Michigan: St. Joseph Health System in Tawas City, about a one-hour drive north of Saginaw, received a three-year grant starting at $155,435 for 2005.

Ann Griffis, who manages the project at the St. Joseph Health System, said two of Tawas City's four school districts -- Oscoda and Whittemore-Prescott -- opted to try the program, which tested only students who volunteered and had parental permission.

The first year, 6 percent of students at the two high school participated, but that grew to 32 percent of students. Funding for the program ends Sept. 30, and the hospital may ask for an extension or look for other funding sources.

"The reception has been really good, and I've been pleasantly surprised," said Griffis, adding that it's "rare" that any of the urine samples she's taken have tested positive for drugs.

"The intent isn't to catch kids. It is to provide a prevention tool and hope that we can encourage discussion between parents and students. If someone tests positive, we give them information about resources that can help," she said.

You can reach Deb Price at dprice@detnews.com or (202) 662-8736.
Thursday, June 5, 2008

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What do you think about student drug testing?

Do you think that this drug testing prepares students for the possibility that they might be drug tested for employment in the future?

Do you think that it is fair that student athletes and participants in other extra-curricular activities have to be tested?

What would you do if this program came to your school?
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Deb Price / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON --