Dear parents, teachers, and school supporters,

I'd like to make sure you are aware that tonight's work session of the Baldwin County Board of Education (April 16) will be held in the Loxley satellite at 5:00pm. During this work session, the board will allow a special discussion regarding random drug testing in our schools.

I know that this has been a hot topic on both sides, so over the past few months, I have done a great deal of research on this topic including police chief interviews, testing research, statistical research, and most recently an island wide survey. In addition, I have requested a great deal of information from our school system staff including school data, financial implications, drug testing history, and federal laws. In preparation for our April 16 meeting, I have shared my information with my fellow board members and have asked them to review for discussion.

The results of my island-wide survey suggested that 20-40% of our high school students have experimented with drugs or alcohol; and also suggested that while over 75% of those surveyed are in favor of random drug testing, many of those have concerns over the funding. Many suggested that the City of Orange Beach was willing to fund the program for Gulf Shores High School for the first year, but I have not been made aware this.

A random drug testing policy was in place for all Baldwin County high schools prior to the 2010 budget cuts. Dr. Rosado, our high school principal and Mr. Fountain, our middle school principal both conduct random drug dog searches on their campuses, compliments of each local city. Drug dogs have been on the high school campus 12 times this school year. The students I interviewed stated that while dogs are a deterrent, they don't deter students from using drugs, just from bringing them to school, suggesting that in addition to dog searches further action is needed in order to deter more students.

Although our principals have done a great job in the past few years to curtail drug use, I feel that we should give them all of the tools available to provide a safe, drug free environment. I know that not all island residents are proponents of drug testing, but it is my intent on Tuesday to ask my fellow board members to see the merit of drug testing in our schools.

Funding and rights-to-privacy was a major concern to those who opposed the policy and could be an issue for some board members; however, it is my opinion that there may be ways to address both issues if we are all willing to work together. While I do understand these issues, I feel that the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Thank you for our interest in this issue, and your support of our schools. I look forward to seeing those of you who decide to attend the meeting. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime at swigerrep@yahoo.com.

Angie Swiger,

For our Children,

Representative District 5, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

Baldwin County Board of Education