Warren Hills students to be drug tested More than 1,000 eligible for tests. About 100 to be screened this year. Thursday, August 17, 2006 • BY LYNN OLANOFF • The Express-Times WASHINGTON TWP. | Just over 1,000 Warren Hills Regional High School students will be subject to random drug tests starting next month. The school board Tuesday unanimously approved a policy instituting random drug testing at the high school. The program requires all athletes and students who participate in clubs or who park their cars on campus to be tested. "It would appear in today's society drug use is on the rise, and Warren Hills is no different than anywhere else," board President James Momary said. "We feel we're taking a proactive stance here in giving students the ability to say no because they know they may be tested." The random program is intended to deter drug use and identify students who are using drugs, according to district officials. Students who test positive for drugs through urine tests must undergo substance abuse education. They also are temporarily suspended from extracurricular activities. Board member Kathleen Halpin pointed out that positive tests will not be reported to law enforcement officials. "It's not a punitive thing -- this is to help," she said. School officials expect at least 75 percent of the school's 1,400 students to qualify for the testing. About 100 students, or 10 percent of the 1,000-person testing pool, will be tested this year. Tests cost $7.50 each. The district has received a $200 grant from the Washington Borough Municipal Alliance to cover part of the estimated $750 program. Fall athletes have already signed up for the program since practice started Monday, high school Principal Tim O'Brien said. The school received only one comment on the program, from a parent wondering if his or her child could be tested at a private doctor instead of at school, he said. O'Brien said he is checking on the answer. Warren Hills has had voluntary drug testing for high school athletes since 1997. District officials have wanted random drug testing for many years, but waited until the court battle over Hunterdon Central Regional High School's drug-testing program was finished. The New Jersey Supreme Court in 2003 upheld the district's program. Hackettstown, North Hunterdon and Voorhees high schools also have random drug testing. Reporter Lynn Olanoff can be reached at 908-475-8044 or by e-mail at lolanoff@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used with permission.