Waldwick June 20, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 The Waldwick Board of Education voted last week to make the random drug testing of students a permanent practice in the district. The pilot program, which was held during the 2011-12 academic year, indicated a significant decrease in the number of drug and alcohol-related incidents among students, district officials said. In a recent interview, Waldwick High School Principal Kevin Carroll reported that 60 students had been tested over a 10month period. “The overall response was positive from the parents and the students,” Carroll said. According to the principal, testing dates were scheduled in advance, but kept secret. He explained that, the morning of the tests, six students would be selected at random. While the lab technicians were preparing to work with the students, the students’ parents would be notified. “The students could blame us for why they were not getting involved with drugs and alcohol,” Carroll said. While there were no positive results recorded, Carroll noted that two students Random drug testing becomes permanent practice received “automatic positives” when they refused to be tested. He said those students were given two-week suspensions from extracurricular activities, which is the penalty for first-offense violations. He indicated that enrollment in extracurricular activities has increased, adding, “So the testing program was not a deterrent.” Carroll and members of the high school staff proposed the testing program in the spring of 2010. At that time, Carroll noted the goal is 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. Dr. Patricia Raupers, who became the district’s superintendent in July 2010, formed a study group in September of that year. That group included opponents and proponents of the random drug testing plan, and performed a comprehensive review of the proposal. That committee included 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 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 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 also met with superintendents from neighboring districts, some of which have drug testing policies, the board attorney, and New Jersey Department of Education personnel. The free concert at The Oval that was rained out last week has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Bronx Wanders will perform favorites from The Four Seasons, The Jersey Boys, and more. The band’s New concert date announced repertoire features “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man.” This concert is sponsored by the Borough of Waldwick. Contact the borough administrator at (201) 652-5300, extension 229 for more information.