HUNTINGTON -- In Cabell County Schools' first year of random drug testing, 20 students from Cabell Midland and Huntington high schools tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

Todd Alexander, administrative assistant for secondary schools, reported to the Cabell County Schools Board of Education this week that 1,141 students were in the testing pool, including athletes, student drivers and those who were opted in by parents or guardians.

There were 23 positive results in the testing, with three people testing positive twice. Of the 226 tested at Cabell Midland, a positive test was yielded 14 times for a rate of 6.2 percent. At Huntington High, 160 students were randomly tested, with nine positive tests -- a rate of 5.6 percent.

Alexander said a majority of the students who tested positive were juniors and seniors, who also are the only ones with the ability to get a parking pass.

Alcohol and marijuana were the only items found in any of the positive tests. Alexander said that could be a good sign because the test can spot any number of substances, including prescription pills.

Under the program, after a first offense, parents are called and students are required to see a professional counselor. Board member Suzanne Oxley asked Alexander how parents and guardians took the news when they were informed.

"There were a few who couldn't care less," Alexander said. "But 90 percent had no idea and were glad to be made aware."

He said that some of the positive tests came from students who were opted into the random pool by their parents or guardians. Those parents, he said, really just wanted confirmation of something they already suspected. Although there are no consequences for those students, administrators did provide referrals to a counselor.

The next step for Alexander and others is to review Pride Survey data when they become available later this year. Pride Surveys was started in 1982 by professors at Georgia State University in Atlanta and Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. The purpose was and still is to help local schools measure student alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

Board members, along with Alexander, are curious to see how this year's survey results -- taken toward the end of the school year -- compares with answers in years past.

The final cost for the first year of the drug testing program was $14,200, compared with a projected amount of $18,000. It was paid for with a Safe and Drug-Free Schools grant. Next year, middle school athletes will be added to the mix, and Alexander said the school board will have to find money in the budget to combine with the grant money.

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