Jackson school board approves random drug-testing plan

High-school students in Jackson who participate in certain extracurricular activities will be subject to random drug testing this year under a policy adopted by the school board Tuesday night.

Under the policy, students in grades nine through 12 will be required to consent to testing if they belong to any school-sponsored groups regulated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

Examples include athletics, cheerleading, band, choir and speech and debate team.

If students or their parents refuse the testing, students still can participate in co-curricular classes such as band or choir but won’t be able to perform in concerts, games, contests or other related activities.

Superintendent John Link said the policy is meant to protect students and help those who test positive.

“We at Jackson love and care about our kids, and we’re not going to cast them out. We’re going to educate them,” Link said.

For any students who test positive for illegal drugs, a first offense will mean being excluded from all covered activities for 15 days.

A second offense means being excluded for 90 days, and a third offense will sideline them from practices or competition for one year.

A positive test will not affect grades or result in suspension, however.

Law-enforcement officers also will not be notified, according to the new policy.

Tests will be conducted in the school nurse’s office at random times, and the district will use a laboratory certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Board members first began considering the new policy in June, when the high school’s assistant principal, Travis Wilson, presented the idea to the group.

At the time, Wilson said the policy could serve as extra incentive for students to say no if they are tempted to take drugs.

It also was meant as a way for them to save face when under peer pressure.

Also instrumental in bringing about the policy was athletic director John Martin, who spoke briefly in favor of the proposal Tuesday evening.

“I do think, Coach, that it will be a positive reinforcement for the kids,” board vice president Bruce Thomas said to Martin.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

614 E. Adams St., Jackson, Mo.