Union School District Drug Testing Program Approved

Union School Board members approved a proposed random student drug testing program with minor changes Wednesday night.

Changes to the proposal were to clean up grammar and iron out any phrases that could be misunderstood by parents.

The vote was 6-1 with Kate Jones casting the dissenting vote.

The goal of the policy is to “ensure student health and safety, as well as prevention of possible drug and alcohol related problems.”

Another goal, the policy states, is to open the lines of communication between parents, students and the school in dealing with drugs and alcohol.

The program will be mandatory for students participating in extra- or cocurricular activities and interscholastic athletics under the district’s sponsorship.

Those who test positive can be referred to Preferred Family Healthcare or Crider Health Center, both of which already work with students in the district.

Students will only be identified by reference numbers so results will remain confidential and will only be released to the student, their parents or guardians and the administration.

Guidelines for first, second, third and fourth offenses also are outlined in the policy.

Regular policies already are in place for if a student attends school under the influence or possesses drugs or alcohol on the school grounds.