Dr. Brower and apparently the Supreme Court (it is unclear whether this is NJ or the feds) have determined that random drug testing is constitutional for those participating in extracurricular activities because these are privileges and for all others if there is reasonable suspicion. This must be the result of tortured legal reasoning as the 4th Amendment is unequivocal. It reads: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon PROBABLE CAUSE, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized." How can any Supreme Court downgrade this standard to "reasonable suspicion" or waive it all together for those playing sports? The Supreme Court is not permitted to violate the constitution any more than the BOE or the legislature is. I would still file a lawsuit and kudos to Gary Vaccaro for placing the onus where it belongs, that is on the parents. Dr. Brower is wrong. It is not the responsibility of public schools to teach morals and religion. That is the responsibility of families and churches.

"The program would be funded by the school district"
Waste of tax money...not what I pay school taxes for !!!!!

Robert,

Do you feel the parents should then be penalized when their children break the law?

If you are going to test you, test EVERYONE NOT JUST kids who are in extracurricular activities.
Then when the kids fail then what?

Wake up Dr. Brower, I can't believe I am even reading this. Its not the kids involved in extra curricular activities doing the drugs. Those kids are practicing after school and on weekends. Doesn't anyone drive around this town at 2, 3, or 4pm in the afternoon and see all the kids just "hanging out" behind Shoprite, Walmart and the parks. They have no where to go and nothing to do. How about your guidance depart stops having to deal with bullying and disciplinary students and your two asst principles step up and do their jobs and let guidance counselors "guide" your students into becoming goal oriented, responsible adults. Maybe your guidance dept could actually help juniors and seniors not involved with extra curricular activities get part time jobs and learn responsibility instead of getting out of school at 1:35pm and "hanging out". Leave the kids alone who have committed their time and energy to after school activites, they are the ones going somewhere.

Stop funding your abusers, hold back on school tax in protest until they drop it. You have natural born rights, you own your body not the government. You as the parent own your children not the government. Pull your kids out of all extracurricular activities and that solves the problem of invasion of privacy for this particular problem. Get rid of the administration in the school. Pull your kids out in protest till they are fired. Stop allowing them to abuse you. Its up to YOU!

Congratulations! You have figured out a way to stop anyone from moving into your school district with your draconian measures and respect for students. I commend you for raising the police state mentality to a new high. Rights? No way!!! They are our children we can do what we want. How many on the school board submit to drug tests? How about you let me have about ten minutes on each computer owned by the school board members to check for unlawful pornography? Come on now submit school board! Another town I mark off my visit list.

and its the same government that has waged a war on drugs that is a scam, they run guns to mexican drug cartels to arm them, and yet are attacking the 2nd ammendment and wish to abolish the constitution. Get real people.

Agree with both of you. Hopefull Vaccaro and others like minded will join the advisory council. Parents should be careful what they wish for. This testing will undoubtedly lead to a total destruction of our"championship" teams. Most teenagers, athletes, SGA leaders and participants, musicians and underachievers as well, have all experimented with pot or alcohol at one time or another. This doesn't make future addicts.

I agree 100% with Mr. Yates. For some reason this country and those that run it seem to think the only way to get control of anything anymore is to take away every one of our constitutional rights. The Schools #1 responsibility is to educate our children. What lesson are they sending to our children? As Thomas Jefferson once said, "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." Let the parents raise their children and let the schools teach them. Nothing more.

and what about the rights of the kids who want to learn but have to wait for the teacher to correct the sleeping druggie would this not be " wasting the labors of the people" after all our labor is what pays the teachers

The only parents that could want this are weak parents. Too scared little Jaden wont be their friend if asked to pee in a cup. They would rather an autoritarian state dictate rules to them. The best slaves are the ones who beg to be slaves.

I too thought it is a violation of their constitutional right. Yet I am seeing kids dying all around us from overdoses, the crime rate is so high, drug busts. Something has to be done. It doesn't matter if a kid participates in sports or other extra curricular activities, don't tell me some of them don't drink or use drugs. There is nothing for kids to do in this town if they are not in sports or dance, etc. Some families can't afford to have their children in outside activities. Thats why they hang out in Shoprite, or WaWa or how about in the WOODS. C'mon parents, how many of you REALLY know where your kids are and what they are doing? How many of you know who their friends are and if theres a parent home while they are at someone's house? I think the largest part of this drug and alcohol problem is the parents, not all parents, don't know or care about what their kids are really up to.

Being an athlete may help one in the real world or it may not but all these parents who are for testing are most likely the same people who walk around boasting about all their kids achievements on the field. Wait untill they test the kids and find out that there aren"t even enough players to make a team, let alone win a game. Parents need to get real and communicate with their kids about drugs, alcohol and how to be responsible. These kids are almost adults and they need tools to survive in the world, especially this pill and heroin infested town. What they don't need is untrusting educators tainting their record and setting them up for failure.

This should not even be on the table for discussion. I don't understand how this does not outrage parents! The issue is NOT, " why not.. We have nothing to hide." Far greater, it is slowly losing our constitutional rights as Americans! Children who need help and counseling will now become automatic criminals. No thank you! I will test my own children, if need be. Do not need school/government to do MY job.

Good kids have nothing to worry about, and the users will get the help they need. Stop being naive and making excuses for them. That's why kids no longer have a conscience. If they face consequences rates will go down. And plenty of athletes use, coaches even know about it sometimes. Let's get real, if your tax dollars are too good to help our children (your future leaders) then you need to shut up and move.

I don't care how high my kids are when they get home from school or the crimes they,ve been accused of. If you want to test them you,ll have to do it over my dead body.

Parents don't have to raise their children any more...welcome to the USSA.

Why do schools feel they have to be the drug czar?
Does Lacy have random locker inspections? Backpack inspections? Possession is a criminal offense.
What happens if a positive test comes back? Do they then check the locker and backpack and file criminal charges? slippery slope..

the second amendment states:
"As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State:

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed
NOTICE the comma after the word STATE which indicates a pause and continuation which indicates not only the right to have a well regulated militia that being necessary AND the right of the PEOPLE to keep and bear arms.

Is this really constitutional? Or since the kids are under eighteen they are not afforded the same rights as the citizens of the United States of America? Granted I am not in favor of kids doing drugs but we need to do it in an manor that respects the rights of our great land and our forefathers vision.

Yes, it IS those in extracurriculars doing drugs. I am a recent graduate and saw some of the top of my class involved in this. They were the ones in activities and sports. Now I'm not saying that those who are not involved aren't using and abusing drugs because that happens just as much as the other kids using and abusing them. I for one think to is an excellent idea because it safeguards other students. School is supposed to be a safe place and curbing drug abuse makes it safer.

I think its time for the parents to be responsible for rasing their children not the school district. As for Dr Brower, when is her contract up???

I've always been a believer that if you have nothing to hide then you shouldn't have a problem. Having children in the school district I say test away. I'm very involved with my children's life's but when they aren't at home you just never know. I for one would like to know if they are doing something.

where will they come up with the $150+ grand a year to run these tests?

Are parents aware of the laws the keep a child out of school if they have a dirty urine test? And that the chikd has to have a clean test to get back into school (which could be a few weeks)? And that there is a 9 week suspension from extra cirricular activities in Lacey fr having a dirty pee test?

WHo is this helping?

It is my responsibility to monitor my childs behavior, not the schools. For those of you in favor of random drug testing, I hope there are no mistakes made during testing, and no false positives. I cant imagine how it would feel to be tested when you have done nothing wrong, and then to have a false positive.....

Being a parent does not come with a book, you are a good parent or a bad parent. Most kids these days have an entitlement attitude. Snotty with no clue about the real world blame the parents, that is it! If you are involved with your kids it will pay off, if not blame yourself and by the way most kids try drugs just a fact. Again get involved life does not come with a rulebook if you need one your in trouble!

my husband and i have done our best and our son still makes stupid decisions...i always feel so guilty about that too...

This can benefit the student who can use it as an excuse not to partake when pressured.. There is no constitutional question the choice is up to the person, They can decline to particapate. I am happy to see that every parent could tell whether or not their child was using.

Test the teachers first , in her own words, "All school leaders must never waiver in the belief that the students will never be more accountable than the adults that work with them." - Sandra Brower

As soon as something goes wrong there is a outcry for the school to do something to improve the safety and security of our children, as in the recent shooting incident in Sandy Hook. With that in mind , the only comment here that rings true is the person who said you should want to know you child is in a safe environment while at school, and random drug testing would lead in that direction. Old Sage

One more issue with "Random" drug testing, it could be used for the wrong reasons. For example, Teacher doesnt like a certain student, "Random" drug test. Who will monitor the randomness of the testing?

Hardesthit, it was discussed at the meeting that the selection would actually be done by the lab performing the testing. It would be similar to a lottery where students get selected according to random numbers.

Thank you for the info.

Hey I guess the same idiots are making these decisions that made the one about monitoring the bathrooms....and how did that work out for you. How about spending more time teaching our children and acting like educators instead of wardens and corrections officers. Maybe we can put Johnny in solitary if he gets in a fight or pulls a girls hair. Start teaching and stop policing! These kids have no freedom and in turn do not learn responsibility. they get out of our high school(Jail), go to college and lose their minds with the amount of freedom they have. Instead of learning life's lessons by making little mistakes in their teen years, they make large ones after high school.

i think ed had a point when he said this could help with peer pressure...if its a good excuse to say no then why not...but i do think others in the system should be tested also,,, and you have to be careful legally etc..idk

Are we paying all this money to the baby sitting cabal , to send our children to school or to a prison?

The next BOE meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at 7:00pm in the High School. That is where all these previous statements should be made, not here in this forum. If you all have any guts at all, show up there and speak your piece. You folks are all mouth and no action if you don't. So, that is the challange, be brave, be Americans, or continue to be faceless COWARDS!!!!

Seems the best thing Wall Township ever did was get rid of Brower. Things are looking brighter up there these days. That is NOT a coincidence. We need to bounce her out of here as soon as we can. If her best answer to a problem is to throw money at it and invade our homes, I wonder what she'll be like in a real crisis?

Any time the lacey school system gets involved in anything such as this it's very selective how they enforce it. The zero tolerance policy for example only applies to students they select. Random Testing for ALL Teachers and Staff and Board members should be first. Fund it by lowering the Superintendents salary untill she proves she can handle the job,and pass the drug test. ALL the teachers in the Lacey System know who the problem students are BUT if you are involved in School Activities they look the other way. YES there are plenty of trouble makers involved in school activities. This could never work in Lacey unless the School system had nothing to do with it. If you want you child to have an education and be taught all people deserve equal opportunity,and treat all people with respect,hard work pays for ALL. GET THEM OUT OF LACEY SCHOOLS. Or Join the football team and act like an ass then every teacher will love them!

Yes, Test the coachs, mentors, teachers, administrators,etc, first!!! Like it was shared at the meeting(forum). Let them walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Go to the BOE meeting on Tuesday Jan. 22, 2013 at 7pm and say it AGAIN "Larry Lacey" if you believe it. Saying it here is an exercise in mental absurdity. It is a COWARDS method of frustration release. Go to the meeting and shout like hell, it will make you feel better, both mentally and physically. You will love the hormone high!!!

Just Be Sure Dr. Brower isn't using smoke and mirrors to make herself and her cohorts look effective. I don't believe the tests the schools run include a panel for oxycodone.
She's not being forthright with 'not punitive' since students who are positive must be excluded from school, by state law, until they are cleared to return(eg: get a negative urine screen). Will they be put out of school? How is "hanging out" at home all day helpful? What happens to their education?
Will the school be paying for all the urine tests, including second and third ones from some students to return? Who will be responsible for administering the actual tests? The nurse has a job. Will there be an employee just for urine screenings? Will the lab send an agent every day? At what cost? Are we looking at a $250,000 + annual cost?
This is our money, these are our children. And it feels like both are being misused to further someone else's agenda.

Why have the questions accumulated from the meeting not been posted to the School District website as stated in the article?

Because those questions asked about testing NJEA Union employees may be really frightening to BOE Lacey School District employees and other Township leaders relatives that work for the district ,and, I did say MAYBE. If a Union "Teamster" drivng a truck and a Union "Operating Engineer" driving a bulldozer, can be tested on the job, WHY can't a person DRIVING the minds and moral values of our children be tested???? Janurary 22, 2013 7pm, GO ASK THE QUESTION. I already did!!!

Why not test everyone? Thats not fair.

I am confused.... Are we trying to help our children get through High School without abusing drugs or are we trying to get our teachers in trouble? Perhaps both but maybe since the kids are dying that would be a higher priority? Just another one of my opinions. And... once again who is offering a REASONABLE alternative or solution?

Nancy Joyce , i do hear you and agree 100 % ... my daughter , a Lacey H.S. graduate .. i do believe whole heartily she was raised with good morals , knowing right from wrong , was an athlete @ the HS... BUT peer pressure got her with the pain pill addiction....now she is into heroin... i wish there was drug testing when she was in high school... we could have maybe stopped her addiction before it become active addiction... Now she struggles with trying so hard to beat it !!! and with all other complications that go along with addiction... i pray she will beat it....but maybe with the drug testing it could have been caught before it got out of control... believe me people , its out there and badly.. 1 out of every 6 kids are being effected by this drug epidemic...we
have to do something..its a families nightmare !!!

I have one son who graduated from Lacey HS, one currently a freshman and two younger children who will be going to Lacey HS and my opinion....Its about time!!! Today I asked my HS son his feelings about this topic...he answered...I dont care. The reason for his answer is that he currently is smart enough to stay away from drugs. I do as most parents and talk to my kids all the time about drugs. The reality is that Lacey is getting worse each year. We need to protect our children. This will make children think twice before doing drugs just as a police officer and DWI makes adults think twice before driving drunk! Dr. Sandra Brower my hat is off to you!!