Breath Testing Will Happen at 2008 Prom


(posted Jan 9)

No one will be spared from a breath test at the 2008 Prom with the passage of the 2008 school board policy. The Speedway School Town Board voted 5-0 on January 8 to pass a policy that will allow the school administration to test for alcohol.

Superintendent Ken Hull said the policy has been publicized and he has not received negative feedback about testing for alcohol. The policy was delayed several times before its final draft came to the board. The delay was to assure that the policy's language could be supported in court because the action is basically a search and seizure issue without probable cause, stopping the student to take a breath sample.

He said if a student tests positive, he or she will not be able to enter the prom and a parent will be notified. He said the biggest consequence is not to be part of the event, not a school suspension or a denial of a diploma. Regardless if the student or date is enrolled at Speedway or is from another school, the parents will be called.

Hull said letters will go out to inform students and parents of the policy.

Board member Thomas Smith thought the policy will only serve to protect students from driving under the influence or with someone who is.

"As a parent, you love it," board member Laura Daghe said.

Dr. Terry Reed wanted the board to be informed if the testing expanded to other events like football games.

The board also passed a second policy that will allow the administration to test for drugs/alcohol based on reasonable suspicion. The policy defines reasonable suspicion as observation, information of use, or possession. If the test is positive, it shall result in suspension or potential expulsion for up to one year.

Hull also explained that Assistant Principal Jon Acton and a committee are working on a policy to expand drug testing to other extra curricular activities than just the current policy of cheerleading and sports.

The board also approved for Hull to design a petition to send to the State House to stop consolidation of Speedway Schools. The petition will be distributed to the schools for parents to sign along with legislators' names to contact to voice their opinion.

The school has a 94 percent graduation rate that signifies to the board that the school is accomplishing results. Board member William Scott was impressed that 83% of those graduated were with honors or Core 40.

Although Hull said "it not a popular message" and sometimes he feels a little "threatened" to make his position known that he does not favor abolishing property taxes, he does not want to see other taxes that are tied to economy support the schools, library or town. He explained the local governments lose excise tax shares when the economy goes down because people are not buying cars. He indicated the loss can not be made up. He also explained the school has a $200,000 deficit because the state chose not to fully fund the 2007 budget. "I want you to remember these words, the state didn't pay $1.3 million dollars." of tax distributions.