Share Your Thoughts on Drug Testing in Brentwood Schools

Over the past one to two years, two young men have lost their lives through the contribution of alcohol and/or drug abuse issues. Both of these young men were loved and respected amongst their peers. Both are sorely missed by myself, their family, friends, and the community. The sad thing is that both the classes of 2008 and 2009 will never have a complete class reunion that everyone can attend together ever.

To start 2011, the Brentwood football program lost two important pieces of the team, both charged in separate incidents for possession of marijuana. I have heard incidents of children being approached by kids trying to sell them drugs. How do we keep drugs and alcohol out of our schools and community? Do we turn our backs and hope for resolution on its own, or do we stand up and fight for our kids?

I have been told on several occasions by the best of kids that, "Peer pressure made me do it." These were very solid kids that eventually gave in to party peer pressure and tried drugs. PEER PRESSURE. Personally, I think we need to give our kids the peer pressure to just say NO!

Picture this: a big post game party at a home where the parents are out of town after the Brentwood volleyball team wins state! (Go Eagles!) You are completely unaware of this party as a parent. Joe Schmoe offers your child a beer and to share a marijuana joint at that big party. Your son or daughter responds, "Hey Joe, I would love to but I have random drug testing at my school so I can't, I appreciate the offer but NO THANKS!" This gives our kids an out!

There are several things that I considered before I got behind this .

Pros:

1. Early Identification — Catch the problem immediately and get our kids help!
2. Enforce our already formal stance against drugs and alcohol in our school sistrict, and provide a healthy learning environment.
3. Provide structure for our kids to have a healthy lifestyle.
4. Protect our kids future physical and mental health. Enhance or ensure top academic performance.
5. Give all of our kids a reason to say NO!

Cons:

1. The main one is "cost".
2. Insufficient documented studies or scientific evidence that drug testing works.
3. Lack of clarity of what specific testing methods are constitutional.
4. Confidentiality

This is a tough issue in a poor economy and everybody will have an opinion. We all want our kids to experience a great high school social life, receive a great education, and enjoy Brentwood middle and high schools.

I looked at this as an ostrich putting his head in the sand. Do we stand by and do nothing or is it time to look out for our kids? I would really like to hear everyones opinion on this issue. I firmly believe if this saves one kid, it's worth it. I encourage you to come to the next school board meeting, respond to this blog, or both.

Whether you agree or disagree please be heard. Most of all, thank you for reading this blog!

Dan Williams (LJL56)