The recent arrest of two teachers for allegedly smoking marijuana before work rekindles the important debate over whether teachers should undergo random drug testing — an issue that first emerged in October after the arrest of teacher Lee Anzai on charges of selling crystal methamphetamine.

Understandably, angry parents are calling for action, and committed teachers are defending their rights. While there is no easy answer, it is the job of the Department of Education to evaluate the situation and create a clear and fair plan to ensure the safety of our children.

Currently, the DOE requires fingerprinting and a criminal background check as part of the hiring process, but there is no drug test and no random drug testing of current employees.

Clearly, it's time for the DOE to work diligently to construct a plan.

While random drug testing deals with the DOE's responsibility to provide a safe workplace, it also brings up the thorny issue of employees' right to privacy. What does seem appropriate, however, is mandating a drug test as part of the hiring process.

According to state schools superintendent Pat Hamamoto, the DOE is looking into that possibility, while considering other details, such as what action should be taken if drugs are found on a teacher.

And if the DOE doesn't come up with a plan, lawmakers will — as they should.

Sen. Norman Sakamoto, chairman of the Education and Military Affairs Committee, said he will be introducing legislation mandating drug screening and random testing. "We can't go along with the way things are going if we're not confident our children are in good hands," he said.

In this delicate balancing act of creating safe classrooms and preserving teachers' rights, it's important to remember what's at stake: our children.

Ensuring their safety should be paramount in this debate.

Surely it's worth adding one more step in the hiring process.