VISD does not test for steroids, By: Bill Hatch
Cost the biggest factor in testing
January 28, 2007
Victoria school district has a drug-testing policy, but it does not include testing for steroids.
Cost is the biggest obstacle.
The cost of a single steroids test can range from $80 to over $200, said Ramiro Rubio, the emergency operations director.
"We don't do the steroids test," Rubio said, explaining the district's new policy, which was implemented in August. "We implemented a random drug test for students in grades six through 12. If they are participating in a UIL sport or the band or mariachis or the National Honor Society or drive a car on the campus, then the parent has to sign a consent form for them to participate and they are on the wheel (list) included in the random drug tests."
Random drug tests are carried out once a month on 80 students from the two Memorial High School campuses and on 33 middle school students from the three middle schools.
The cost for each test is $15.45.
The company contracted to do the testing - Forward Edge Inc. of Pasadena, arrives on campus with a list of names randomly generated by a computer and students are called from classes to be tested.
Larry Hirt, the VISD athletic director, said the district studied a variety of proposals for a steroids test but felt the costs were prohibitive.
"Very few high schools that I know have a steroids testing program because the cost is prohibitive," he said. "I know there has been discussion in the state legislature and the UIL on mandating a test but they start to back off when they see how much it is going to cost the school district.
"The cost is staggering and state is not going to pay for it so I don't see them mandating that to us," Hirt added. "We would like to have a deterrent for kids to say 'no.' It's not like we wouldn't necessarily like to do it but cost is a major factor in why it's not done."
Hirt said he believes a test for steroids would be an important deterrent.
"I wouldn't oppose it," he said. "Most coaches don't object to it. We want our kids to be drug free. We're not against it. We're trying to give kids the right opportunity to do the right thing. Once drug testing starts, positive tests decline.
"Kids start to realize that a positive test could jeopardize whatever extracurricular activities they are doing," Hirt added. "Any reason to say no is a good thing. Anything that gets them by peer pressure is a good thing. It's a deterrent and we don't want kids to get mixed up in that culture."
Rubio, who handles everything from tobacco to drug testing and school safety issues, said he believes the VISD policy has been successful. He expects the school board to request a report on the first year at the end of the school year.
"Under program we have now, it's working out pretty good," he said. "We had a meeting with parents at the community center and explained the policy. Some parents called and requested that their children be put on the wheel - the list for the random drug tests - and we did that. If their child's name is randomly selected, then they pay for it.
"Some wanted their child tested on the next test and they were willing pay for it," Rubio added. "We agreed to that and they did have them tested and we gave them the results. It's their preference. Some have concerns about their children and they want to stay ahead of time."
For students who test positive, the first offense requires a 21-day suspension from extracurricular activities, drug counseling and monthly drug test paid for by their parents. The second offense results in a 90-day suspension, more counseling and continued monthly drug test paid for by their parents. The third offense, results in suspension for the rest of the student's school career.
The VISD policy is explained at the district's Web site at www.visd.com, To read it, click on VISD board policies, then click on students' rights and responsibilities: interrogations and searches.
