Dr. Kelly, Ph. D

As I explained to the Senate, we consider the drug testing program a deterrent rather than a “gotcha” program and hope that students realize the loss of privileges for “Friday Night Lights” or other sports venues will help them avoid any temptation to use steroids.

Frankly, I don’t know whether any of our students use these very bad substances. Our coaches believe very strongly that their athletes are not using them and that they would know (based on sudden increases in size or the appearance of other symptoms).  On the other hand, I occasionally hear rumors to the contrary among student athletes.  We will remain vigilant. 

Also last week, I attended a portion of a meeting held by those putting together the Shattered Dreams production that will take place this week at the high school.  I was gratified to see a large number of parents present who are helping put this anti-alcohol message together.  Heather Allen, our district’s drug counselor, gave a very “sobering” talk about the dangers of alcohol poisoning. Her presentation was followed by Boerne PD Officer Jason Abbott who showed a Powerpoint of slides put together by the Killeen Police Department. There were graphic pictures of very ugly car wrecks and injured/killed young people. So many of our young folks don’t ever think it can happen to them – and I’m grateful for these combined efforts of our BISD personnel, parents, local law enforcement, and others. I just wish that more of our parents would carefully monitor their child’s behavior – and especially at night and on weekends. 

We are now investigating the latest incidence of parents throwing wild alcohol parties for children in the BISD. I won’t comment more because the investigation is ongoing, but if the general public knew what these parents do and say, all but the most cold hearted among us would be outraged. 

A few weeks ago, I had the sad duty of expelling a student for felony possession of cocaine.  Just about every month, someone attending our secondary schools gets busted for possessing some illegal substance. Although we sometimes feel like we’re voices crying in the wilderness, we repeat that places like Boerne are no better than the stereotypical inner-city school district with regard to drug and alcohol use among students. In Boerne, the combination of student cars, lots of money, free time and too-frequent parental indulgence make up a deadly “cocktail.”  Sorry to put it so bluntly.