District Agrees to Support Edison’s Voluntary Drug Plan

A proposed voluntary drug testing program devised by Bill Workman, Edison High School football coach, has received support from officials of the Huntington Beach Union High School District.

Workman said Tuesday night that after meeting with Marie Otto, district superintendent, the district agreed to allow the program to begin. The proposal is similar to one rejected by the school board last year.

The present plan would allow Edison football players, with the consent of their parents, to submit to a urine test that will check for drugs. The results will be given to the parents, but otherwise kept confidential.

Otto, who previously criticized the proposal publicly, said Tuesday that although the district cannot financially support the program, it will allow it to be implemented.

“(She said that) although the district is not in a position to sponsor such a program . . . it will help disseminate information to parents about how to get involved in the program,” Workman said.

He added that the program will not be limited to the football program, but will be available to any groups on high school campuses within the district. The plan is due to be initiated within the next few weeks, Workman said.