Cambrian letters

Thursday, Sep. 10, 2009

Viewpoint: School board meetings are best forum for sharing views

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School board meetings are best forum for sharing views

By Jeffery L. Smith

I find it amazing how many experts we have on the “drug-testing” policy being considered by our school board. Some of these “experts” have taken it upon themselves to call board members at their home. Yet these same people have not bothered to show up at the board meetings to hear data concerning drug and alcohol use at our schools. Nor have they bothered to show up and hear (and read and discuss) the actual proposal.

As a parent and coach, I’m saddened by the lack of participation. I think that, regardless of where one stands on this issue, one should be informed of the facts (or at least the data being offered). I am outraged, though, when I hear that some people deem it necessary to call a board member/principal/superintendent at their residence, when they have a forum to discuss these issues. That forum is the board meeting!

For those who missed the last two meetings, where this topic has been discussed: At the June meeting, sheriff officers and counselors who are both on campus and off shared their experiences with our kids. Data was submitted about drug and alcohol usage at our schools and county-wide. This data included what kids ADMITTED TO in surveys. It was eye-opening to some. The August meeting, while sparsely attended, allowed discussion of what the actual policy would be.

The next meeting is set for 7 p.m. today, Sept. 10, at the distict office at the Old Grammar School, 1350 Main St.

PLEASE take the time to show up, listen, and voice your opinion during the “open discussion” period of the meeting. To aid you in becoming “somewhat informed”: The proposed testing is not for all students, just those who choose to participate in extra-curricular competitive activities (sports, mock trial, FFA …). Since these are voluntary activities, not required, the kids must accept a “code of conduct” to participate in them. These “codes” already include many behaviors deemed unacceptable, and there are consequences for that behavior (fighting, damaging school property, etc.). For this new policy, counseling is a major component of the consequences, and is to involve parents.

Suspensions are to be from the activity, not school. Also, a number of school districts already have some form of testing policy.

The mood of these board meetings, so far, has been less about how to catch/prosecute our kids. Instead, it has been more about giving them a tool to say “no thanks” when the peer pressure is on. I asked my daughter if she thought this would have made it easier to say no, knowing she could be risking activities that she loved to participate in. Her answer was clear and quick — Absolutely! I have also been discussing the potential policy change with some student-athletes. In some cases, I suspect they have already been influenced to abstain. In others, I know this to be true!

To the subject of freedoms, adults have to make choices, and live with their consequences everyday. Adolescents often don’t think of consequences before they act. Worse yet, they don’t think about how these drugs and alcohol affect — in fact, stunt — their emotional growth. To think that they should be afforded the same rights as adults, I believe, is a flawed theory. We all remember the pressures of being a teenager. I believe this policy could be a valuable tool for kids to push back against that pressure.

Again, as a parent and a coach, I care deeply for these kids. Please come to the board meeting and be heard! All opinions should be given a fair hearing — just at the proper venue.

Jeffery L. Smith is a Cambria resident.