A step closer to drug tests at schools, By: Jack Herman

May 08, 2006

A longtime proponent of drug testing in schools, North Bergen Mayor and state Sen. Nicholas Sacco said he was pleased the plan to test high school athletes for steroids cleared another hurdle last week, and he hopes it will encourage schools to enact their own drug-testing programs.

"That's very positive, that's moving in the right direction," he said.

Sacco said it might inspire more school districts to take advantage of legislation enacted last year that provides extra legal protection for those who wish to institute drug testing.

Under that law, which Sacco sponsored in the state Senate, schools can test students not only for steroids, but also for other illegal drugs. It applies to students involved in sports and extracurricular activities and those who want parking passes.

"They're going to have to do it with steroid testing, so, hopefully, more will take part in the program," said Sacco, who also is an assistant superintendent in North Bergen, where the high school has had a testing program since 1996.

Sacco said he will not try to create a statewide mandatory drug-testing program in schools because it would be too costly.

The executive committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association approved a preliminary plan on Wednesday that allows for random steroid testing of athletes at championship events. It bans about 80 performance-enhancing drugs and imposes a one-year suspension for any athlete who tests positive or refuses to be tested.

The committee will vote again on June 7. If endorsed, the plan will take effect for the fall season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.