MISSION VIEJO : School Expands Its Drug Test Program

The Mission Viejo High School football players never knew who was going to be tapped or when, but every day at least five of their buddies would have to report to the principal’s office, grab a plastic cup and head to the nearest restroom.

And within 24 hours, the verdict would be mailed to their parents: the test for drugs or alcohol was negative or positive.

For the past three years, such has been the routine for some 100 players who have voluntarily consented to confidential drug tests, the results of which are unseen by their coaches, teachers and administrators, but readily available to their parents.

This year, administrators have offered the confidential program to some 600 students, including all members of sports teams, band, drill team, cheerleading and student government. Close to 400 students this year have signed up for the tests, which are patterned after a program at Edison High School in Huntington Beach.

The impetus for expanding the program is what administrators perceive as a growing problem with alcohol, said football coach Dave Clark, who started the Mission Viejo program.

“Alcohol is almost out of control here,” Clark said, adding that post-game parties where alcohol is served are not uncommon. “As coaches, we needed to take a stand on alcohol. This was our way to show the community we wanted the team to be alcohol- and drug-free.”

With the random tests, football players and now other students have an acceptable excuse for saying no--they might face a drug or alcohol test the following morning.

“If some big football stud or big man on campus says no, it might make someone else say no also. If just three or four kids do that, it will be worth it,” Clark said.

The drug testing, set to start at the end of the month, is done on campus by a private drug-testing firm for a $22 fee. Because of a court decision against a high school in Banning, school administrators are barred from forcing the tests or punishing students if test results are positive.

“It throws the responsibility right back on the parents,” Clark said. “I don’t even want to know the results. I don’t want some parent to say, ‘You’re not starting my son because he’s using drugs.’ I don’t want that responsibility.”

But the program, the first of its kind in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, has had its failures in its three-year history. On three occasions, students who tested positive were actually on prescription drugs or cough medicine, Clark said.

And although the program has the support of the Football Boosters, the Parent, Teacher and Student Organization and the school district, about 200 students won’t sign up for the program this year, some because they consider it a violation of civil rights.

“I’m against it,” said cross-country runner Cameron Pedego. “It’s invading your privacy.”

In three years, no football player has tested positive, according to the testing company.

“You never know when you’re going to get it,” said football team captain Bill Denny. “You gotta make sure you do the right thing.”