Waldwick January 19, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Waldwick Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Raupers has decided to recommend that the district’s board of education adopt a random drug testing policy for students. The superintendent said the district plans to create a one-year pilot program that, if approved by the board of education, could be implemented for 2011-12. A spring 2012 review would follow to determine future recommendations. “The policy is in development based on the New Jersey Administrative Code with input from the district’s attorney,” Dr. Raupers told Villadom TIMES last week. She said Waldwick officials are currently reviewing the policies of other districts with drug testing policies for students. She anticipated that the policy would be available later this month. A first reading of the policy is planned for the Feb. 28 board of education meeting, at which time members of the community may express their opinions on the proposed policy. The second hearing of the policy will be held at the March 14 board of education meeting, at which time a decision will be made regarding adoption. Dr. Raupers, who joined the district in July 2010 after the discussion of the random drug testing program had taken place, formed a study group in September. That group, which included opponents and proponents of the plan, was charged with a comprehensive review of the proposal. That committee included Chairman/High School Principal Kevin Carroll, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Michael Clancy, Student Assistance Counselor Andrea Hused, physical education teacher Michael Hagen, English teacher Patrick O’Hagan, middle school resource center Superintendent recommends drug testing policy teacher John Manning, School Nurse Linda Willer, trustees Daniel Marro and Joseph Orlak, Waldwick Police Sergeant Douglas Moore, Dr. Raupers, and multiple residents. The residents who served on the committee included Michael Smith, James Schultz, Donna Ann Mancinelli, Laura DiGiovanni, Rich Giannetti, and Meg Wanamaker. Board of Education Attorney Jennifer Paganucci and School Physician James Mendler served the committee as resource consultants. The superintendent reported that the committee met four times, conducted research, read related articles, and heard relevant presentations. At the final session, committee members voiced their opinions and made recommendations. Raupers expressed her appreciation for the time each committee member devoted to the issue. Raupers also met with superintendents from neighboring districts, some of which have drug testing policies, the board attorney, and New Jersey Department of Education personnel. “Knowing how this topic has generated strong emotions on both sides of the issue, I wanted to make sure that I was conducting my research in a thorough and considered manner,” Raupers said in her report. “I have devoted many hours to this topic and weighed this very carefully.” She added, “It should be remembered that this initiative would be only one tool in our comprehensive approach to the education of our students about the dangers of substance abuse.” In the spring of 2010, Waldwick High School Principal Carroll and members of the high school staff proposed the testing program. At that time, Carroll noted the goal was to protect the students, not to punish them. The principal explained that district officials had been researching the possibility of using random tests in Waldwick, and had spoken with various schools that conduct these tests, including Hasbrouck Heights and River Dell high schools, where Waldwick representatives made on-site visits. Waldwick also investigated drug testing programs in Pequannock and at Hunterdon Central. As proposed, any student who wants to be a member of a team, club, or band, and any senior who parks a car on campus and/or leaves the campus during lunch would be subject to random testing. 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