Original Article Chandler preps for student drug tests By Hayley Ringle, Tribune October 27, 2005 The Chandler Unified School District has a lot to do before implementing a random drug testing program in January, or it does not get a $719,000 grant. Within 10 weeks, the district needs to hire a project director who will oversee the program. The job has not yet been posted. Information meetings must be held for parents, students and the community at each of the three Chandler high schools. No dates have been set. "Its almost November. Im just worried about rushing to implement this. Thats my anxiety," said governing board member Karen Clark. Others at the Wednesday study session about the program said it could be done. The district announced last week it was one of 55 districts nationwide to receive threeyear grants from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Beginning in January, students and parents must give written consent for students to enter the pool for a random drug test if joining an Arizona Interscholastic Association sport or nonathletic activity, everything from badminton and wrestling to chess and theater. The governing board, school officials and principals who attended the study session were positive the district would be ready to begin in January. No parents or students attended. Chandler High School principal Terry Williams said he has received no negative comments from parents or students. "It gives the students a legitimate way of saying no," Williams said. Contact Hayley Ringle by email, or phone (480)-898-6301