[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 126 (Friday, September 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1961-E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL DRUG TESTING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 1999

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, there has been occasional controversy about 
drug-testing high school students.
  Evidence is showing that this is the single most effective way to 
actually reduce drug abuse at school.
  The Concordia Lutheran school system in Fort Wayne, Indiana is the 
largest Lutheran School system in the nation.
  The following is an excellent summary of their reasons and debate 
around implementing a drug testing program.
  I hope other school systems will show the commitment to improving the 
lives of their students that Concordia has.

         Fort Wayne Lutheran Association for Secondary Education, 
           Concordia Lutheran High School,
                               Fort Wayne, IN, September 21, 1999.
     To The Honorable Mark Sounder.
     Re Substance Abuse Prevention Program Concordia Lutheran High 
         School.
       Thank you for the opportunity to share information on our 
     newly-instituted program of substance abuse prevention, 
     including the requirement of random drug testing for all 
     students and staff.
       A bit of the history of this effort . . . The student 
     surveys we have had conducted by research firms in Fort Wayne 
     over the past 5-8 years have clearly confirmed our sense that 
     the problem of student use of drugs and alcohol was in many 
     ways similar to that of other schools. We have never hid from 
     that reality, yet it was not until the spring of 1998 that we 
     finally moved in a significant way to address and ``do 
     something'' about the problem.

[[Page E1962]]

       Two incidents of illegal use and possession were the ``last 
     straw'' for us to act! Our goal was to do something about the 
     problem, not study it. We were beyond further study.
       The school administration formed a task force comprising 
     students, staff, administrators, pastors, lawyers, 
     professionals in the field, and officials from law 
     enforcement. Judge Charles Pratt was also a member. The 
     question was not, ``Is there a problem?'' Rather, the 
     compelling issue was what can we do about the problem. I 
     chaired the task force because I wanted it to do the right 
     thing and get at the problem. I believed I had to demonstrate 
     the commitment we had to the issue. Their interest and 
     enthusiasm was inspiring, especially when they realized we 
     were serious about this problem and getting at it!
       The attached brochure outlines the program which was 
     formulated over a period of six months. The Board of 
     Directors of our Association endorsed the effort. The faculty 
     also supported it. It was clearly apparent from the beginning 
     that, if we wanted to do something to impact student use of 
     illegal drugs and alcohol, random drug testing had to be a 
     part of the program. As the professionals indicated, if you 
     are not willing to drug test, we were wasting our time. As a 
     task force, we crossed that hurdle and moved forward in the 
     spring of 1999 with a proactive program of testing and 
     ministry support when a problem occurs.
       In the spring of 1999 we began a series of parent meetings 
     at which time we shared the very real and dramatic data from 
     the survey results. Then we outlined the plan and informed 
     them that required random testing will begin with the 1999-
     2000 school year. We did not survey our parents. We knew we 
     had a serious problem and we needed to act. Quite frankly, it 
     would have muddied the process, resulted in political debate 
     and parent reaction. We were convinced we were doing the 
     right thing and all of the expertise we had totally supported 
     the action plan! The program was built around education, 
     prevention, and treatment [see attached brochure].
       There was some opposition from parents who were really 
     bothered by the fact that we were going to conduct random 
     testing of all students, but we concluded that we simply had 
     to do it. Many hours were spent talking with families who 
     expressed concerns. We took the news to the media and made 
     the news ourselves, having concluded that this was the best 
     approach. As you might know, the media made a rather negative 
     issue out of the news, focusing attention only on testing and 
     not the overall program. Publicly it appeared that there were 
     many who objected. Yet there were many who wrote and 
     supported our efforts, including our own students.
       I did not receive even five negative letters. Since the 
     spring, as people have talked through the issue of testing 
     and considered it, we have had total cooperation from 
     families. To our knowledge, NOT ONE student did not return as 
     a result of this issue. In fact, we lost fewer students over 
     the summer than we normally do in an average year. Every 
     parent signed a release form. We have had no complaint or 
     refusal.
       The procedures we put in place are carefully laid out and 
     had the input of a variety of professionals. We take all the 
     precautions, and more, of the DOT guidelines on testing. We 
     have a doctor certified as a Medical Review Officer who would 
     first review any positive tests. This takes place prior to 
     the school ever being notified.
       The testing company in Kansas City has an impeccable record 
     and the percent chance of false positives is scientifically 
     insignificant. We have overcome many fears as a result of 
     careful and thoughtful planning. That, of course, is part of 
     our philosophy of education. The testing is conducted weekly 
     on students whose numbers come up on the randomization 
     computer program. It works smoothly, and most people are 
     totally unaware that it is even taking place!
       All new employees are tested as a requirement of 
     employment. This includes a cafeteria worker as well as an 
     administrator. We have all staff in a randomization pool and 
     have a plan in place should a positive test arise. Both the 
     proactive plan to assist students and the plan for staff 
     members are based on our approach to ministry, part of what 
     makes our education distinctive.
       All of the evidence told us that testing WILL reduce the 
     usage among students. That is our prayer and hope, and we 
     have seen and heard evidence that it does. The goal is to 
     deter young people from using illegal drugs and alcohol.
       Finally, alcohol is a problem more difficult to test and 
     trace. Parties continue to take place outside of school but 
     our testing program will not impact that behavior directly. 
     It is our hope that the overall impact of the program is also 
     having a positive effect on other student behaviors. Only 
     time will tell. In the mean time, our families, students and 
     staff are dealing with the problem in a very real way. The 
     actual testing takes place almost unnoticed during the day. 
     it has simply become a part of our day and we like it that 
     way. I might add that we have a registered nurse on duty 
     every school day, all day. Our program which the clinic has 
     put together is high impact, connecting with our guidance 
     program. We use urine testing as our method. The current cost 
     is $16 per test. A courier picks up the material on its way 
     to Kansas City!
       It is public knowledge that the son of our head nurse, a 
     good student and athlete, was one of the students arrested in 
     May of 1998, taken away from school in handcuffs, and of 
     course was expelled. He is back in school after one full 
     semester away [our minimum policy] and is doing very well in 
     school. He is a good kid who hopefully learned a huge lesson 
     about selling marijuana! The judge asked us if he could do 
     some of his service hours at Concordia. We agreed and he paid 
     that price in the summer of 1998 leading into his semester 
     away from Concordia.
       I also recommended to our administrators that we move our 
     annual Cadets In Cadence Auction out of our facility to an 
     off-campus site. The Board of Directors supported that move, 
     but there were many who simply did not ``buy'' the argument 
     that we needed to set the example and not serve alcohol, even 
     to adults, on our campus, even to raise money! We made a 
     once-a-year exception and served alcohol in the building. On 
     December 4, 1999, we have our first off-campus auction at the 
     Coliseum . . . and we believe we can make it an even better 
     event!
       Concordia took a stand on the issue. We have ``laid the 
     issue on the kitchen table'' of CLHS parents and many other 
     families in Fort Wayne . . . and we hope some lives will be 
     saved and some teenagers will be spared the potential 
     tragedies which accompany the use of illegal drugs and 
     alcohol. We want a drug-free school and want to give good 
     kids another reason to say NO!
       Thank you for your interest and allowing me to share this 
     testimony.
           Cordially,
                                                 David Widenhofer,
                                               Executive Director.


                               Treatment

       We are compelled to provide treatment alternatives when a 
     student is discovered to have used, be in possession of, or 
     be a seller or provider of drugs or alcohol. The 
     identification of those who are involved with drugs or 
     alcohol calls for clear assessment and follow-up.
       First Positive Test--A parent conference, an assessment by 
     a state-approved drug and alcohol agency, an educational and/
     or counseling plan, a 12-month probationary period, follow-up 
     testing, and applicable activity penalties are indicated.
       Second Positive Test--The student is expelled. A parent 
     conference is held to discuss assistance measures and a plan 
     for re-entry if desired.
       Student Under the Influence--The student is immediately 
     suspended for a period of 5 school days. A parent conference, 
     an assessment by a state-approved drug and alcohol agency, an 
     educational and/or counseling plan, a 12-month probationary 
     period, follow-up testing, and appropriate activity penalties 
     are indicated.
       Student Possession/Distribution or Second Under Influence--
     The student is expelled. A parent conference is held to 
     discuss assistance measures and a plan for re-entry if 
     desired.


                       Christ-Centered Education

       We believe that:
       All students are chosen and redeemed children of God. As 
     parents and teachers, we have a responsibility to them. 
     ``Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is 
     old he will not turn from it.'' Proverbs 22:6.
       All our hope is in the Lord. ``For I know the plans I have 
     for you,'' declares the Lord, ``plans to prosper you and not 
     to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'' Jeremiah 
     29:11.
       As Christians we know that we have a responsibility to take 
     care of the life God has given us. ``Do you not know that 
     your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom 
     you have received from God? You are not your own; you were 
     bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.'' I 
     Corinthians 6:19-20.
       We also realize that in a sinful world, we must be prepared 
     to face temptations every day of our lives. We can do this 
     confidently as His faithful people. ``God is faithful; He 
     will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But 
     when you are tempted. He will also provide a way out so that 
     you can stand up under it.'' I Corinthians 10:13.
       Lutheran schools impact the lives of young people by 
     providing Christian values through all school activities and 
     programs and by proclaiming God's love.


                              the problem

       Data provided from several research studies of high school 
     students, including CLHS students, present a picture of the 
     use of drugs and alcohol by our students that resembles that 
     of other states and high schools. Our own experience with 
     young people verifies the existence of a problem that compels 
     a response. We are called ``to minister to students as chosen 
     and redeemed children of God.'' We can no longer avoid 
     confronting head-on this reality of American culture.
       Teenagers are making poor choices to use drugs and alcohol 
     in every high school in America. As a Christ-centered high 
     school, we must respond to this tragic reality. Our plan is 
     founded on our sincere concern for nurturing Christian faith 
     and healthy lifestyles in our students. We intentionally want 
     to reduce the use of drugs and alcohol and discourage 
     students from making poor choices. We act because we care.
       Our goal is to maintain a safe, positive and zero-tolerance 
     school environment, conducive to learning and spiritual 
     growth for all students. We have set forth preventive 
     measures to check the student use of alcohol and

[[Page E1963]]

     drugs, especially on the CLHS campus and at CLHS activities. 
     The plan includes education for staff, students and parents 
     so that they understand the realities of the problem and are 
     better able to identify and help students using drugs and 
     alcohol. Our ministry to students calls for providing 
     assistance and treatment options for students who become 
     involved in the use of drugs and alcohol.


                               Prevention

       We need consistent, fair, firm, enforceable and clear 
     policies regarding the school's position on the illegal use 
     of drugs and alcohol. Clear deterrents are needed so that 
     students and adults know that we are serious about this issue 
     and want to reduce student drug and alcohol use.
       Zero Tolerance Policy--All use, possession or distribution 
     of drugs or alcohol will have consequences. We will not 
     tolerate those who introduce illicit drugs or alcohol into 
     our school setting.
       Tip Line--Evening calls to Student Services (471-1996) will 
     be recorded on an answering machine to allow anonymous 
     reporting of information about illegal activity.
       Surveillance Cameras--These have been installed to observe 
     activity in the parking lot and other high traffic areas of 
     the school grounds.
       Locker and Parking Lot Searches--Random searches involving 
     the use of police drug dogs will occur as needed.
       Random Drug Testing of Students--This is the key component 
     that addresses the issue of usage. Urinalysis is the method 
     used and great care is taken to ensure confidentiality of 
     results.
       Reasonable Suspicion--When reasonable suspicion of drug or 
     alcohol use exists, a breath scan and/or urinalysis will be 
     required.


                               Education

       It has become clear that many students, teachers and 
     parents do not fully understand the laws dealing drugs and 
     alcohol, the consequences of being caught, the signs of 
     student use of alcohol and drugs (at home and at school), and 
     the very real seriousness of this issue in the lives of youth 
     and adults. We want to emphasize the seriousness of the 
     issues being addressed, the identification of students using 
     or under the influence, the identification of those 
     possessing or selling drugs or alcohol at school, and the 
     legal consequences of alcohol and drug use by adolescents and 
     adults.
       Curriculum--Drug and alcohol education is a part of the 
     curriculum each year in high school.
       Student Assemblies--At least once each year an assembly 
     using outside resources is presented to the student body.
       Staff In-Service--Education and skill-building are a 
     regular part of the staff in-service program.
       Parent Support Group--This group works with the school 
     administration to ensure that education efforts continue for 
     both students and parents.
       Parents In-Service--At least one parent in-service activity 
     is planned per semester.