Last year, the school’s drug testing policy underwent changes, and the uproar from the school and community over the change to hair testing prompted yet another change. For the 2014-2015 school year, students will have the choice of either urinalysis or hair testing when randomly selected to be drug tested.
The original switch was made to provide cheaper testing in the laboratory and more accurate results. Even at the beginning, students complained. By the end of last year, it was obvious that the entire student body was frustrated, which is what prompted discussion and debate for a new policy.
At the end of last year and over the summer, students and community members, including parents, with strong opinions about the testing policy attended school board meetings to voice their concerns. The school board and principals from both schools listened, and the opinions and feelings from the community helped them to make their decision.
As of early this month, following the two meetings, the executive decision was made to allow students the choice of either urinalysis or hair testing. When students are brought to the testing site, they must have a decision regarding which test they wish to partake in. Coaches and staff members are encouraging students to discuss this choice with parents or guardians.
While the method of drug testing has changed, the overall testing policy has not. Any student involved in extra-curricular activities or sports, or any student with a parking pass, is entered into a random pool and could be a possible candidate for drug testing. Drug tests will still be performed within the school.
According to athletic director Tina Woolard, drug testing is vital because it encourages students to make healthy decisions while outside of the school setting. The drug testing policy provides students another reason to say no to drugs.
The new choice is a positive change for the district. Students now have more say, and they will no longer feel forced into the hair testing that caused them to feel uncomfortable. Instead, they can now choose with which they feel comfortable. Drug testing is still in practice, and students have another reason to make healthy decisions.