Last night the Capo Board of Trustees authorized a voluntary drug testing program for middle schools and high schools. The vote for the policy was 6-1, with Ken Maddox opposing.
Each high school or intermediate school may adopt the plan. A student and his or her parents would have to provide written consent to join. Students on prescribed medication would submit a copy of the prescription.
Testing would be done on a random basis. The results will be kept separate from a student’s other records and disclosed only to staff members responsible for implementing the testing. Results will not be released to law enforcement officials, but parents will be notified of positive test results.
No disciplinary action will be taken against students who fail drug tests. They will instead be counseled to enroll in an rehab program, and subsequent tests may be required.
Although the testing is voluntary, supporters believe there will be a strong incentive for students to participate to avoid the stigma or implications of refusing testing.
The underlying philosophy for the policy was stated by staff:
Drugs are inexpensive, easily available, and widely used and our young people need an excuse to say “NO” when they are dared to experiment with drugs. Voluntary testing is a way to enlist the aid of parents to help their children resist drug use.
Drug testing is a proven form of deterrence; military drug use has decreased 77% since the military began testing in 1980. Random testing has been shown to be the most economical method of prevention. A Voluntary Drug Testing Program give students a strong reason to resist peer pressure and can be effectively facilitated at school sites.
There would be no present cost to the General Fund because the program is supported by a Safe Schools – Healthy Students grant. High schools will each receive $10,000 and middle schools $2,500.
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