Kennett School District reviews student drug testing program

KENNETT, Mo. - The Kennett School District implemented a Random Student Drug Testing program during the 2008-2009 academic year, hosting five testing events over the course of the year for students in grades nine through 12 who are involved in extra-curricular activities or park their vehicles on district property.

During a Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Director of Health Services, Deb Cook, presented administration, faculty members and board members with statistics relating to the program, noting that current policy requires the school test five percent of the participating students during each testing event.

According to Cook, 224 students were enrolled in the program at the beginning of the year, with a final total of 279 students listed prior to the end of the year.

"A total of 63 urine drug screens were performed," Cook explained in her report. "Three students (one male and two females) tested positive for marijuana; one of these three also tested positive for benzodiazepines."

Cook added that one of the three students mentioned chose the "alternative first offense consequence" and was therefore tested again during each testing event the school hosted throughout the remainder of the year.

"Only 16 percent (58 students) were tested. Due to random selection, some students were selected more than one time," Cook noted.

For the district to implement such a program, it was required to spend approximately $1,000, according to Cook.

"The majority of the cost was for steroid testing which was a total of $770," Cook told the board. "We don't suspect many students are using steroids, but the possibility of steroid testing will hopefully deter any students from using steroids. Each steroid test is $55."

Cook noted that each panel test kit is $1.85, and the panel tests for five drugs of abuse. "If the student specimen reveals a 'non-negative' result, the specimen is sent for confirmation," the director explained.

"Confirmation testing of each specimen costs $12.50. The results of the confirmation are usually received within five days," she added.

Following her explanation of the testing procedures and costs associated with the program, Cook encouraged Board members to consider increasing the percentage of students tested during each event, possibly up to 10 percent, doubling the current number. According to Cook, the actual number of students tested throughout the school year 'is low compared to other programs in the state.'

The board approved Cook's recommendation and will begin increasing the number of students tested during the new school year.

Administration and faculty involved in implementing the program at the district included Cook, Brandon Jones, Aaron New, Ed Siebenhuener, and Chris Wilson.

According to Cook, Jones assisted with each drug testing event and 'did an excellent job.'

"Mr. New assisted the program by ensuring all vehicles parked on district property had a parking sticker indicating the students was enrolled in the drug testing program," Cook added. "I also appreciate support from Mr. Wilson and Mr. Siebenhuener throughout the year with the implementation of this new program. With the help of Mr. Jones, Wilson, New and Siebenhuener, this program was considered a success during the first year.

"I am unaware of any complaints about the program, but we did learn ways to improve the program next year."

In addition to her report, Cook presented the board with pie charts indicating the percentage of students that were tested overall, by race, and by gender.

According to the statistics, a total of 21 percent of students, in general, were tested, with 79 students remaining untested.

By race, the numbers indicate that six African-American students were tested, two Hispanic students submitted samples, and whopping 55 Caucasian students underwent drug testing within the district.

In looking at gender, the numbers were nearly a mirror image, as 33 females were tested and 30 males submitted samples as a part of the program.

In addition to the subject of student drug testing, the Board of Education also discussed and approved:

* The Practical Nursing Student Handbook for the 2009-2010 school year;

* The substitute salary schedule for the 2009-2010 school year: Non-certified, Non-degree substitute $55 per day, Missouri Certificated Substitute $75 per day, Extended Time Substitute $100 per day;

* Eligibility Criteria for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2009-2010 school year;

* Annual tax hearing to be held at 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, August 18;

* Breakfast and lunch prices for the 2009-2010 school year, which will remain the same as the current rates;

* The 2009-2010 school year athletic prices, which will remain the same as the current rates;

* The 2009-2010 non-resident tuition rate of $6,900 per year for students in grades kindergarten through eighth, and $6,900 per year for students in grades nine through 12;

* The appointment of Melissa Turner as the authorized representative for the Kennett No. 39 Title I program for the upcoming academic year, and;

* Job descriptions for the Athletic Administrator, Middle School Assistant to the Principal, and High School Assistant to the Principal positions.

The board also tabled a discussion regarding a program evaluation submitted by Library Media Specialist Kim Johnson, and will discuss the program further, including its budget, during next month's meeting.

During the executive session portion of the meeting board members discussed the district soccer program, approving the employment of Jack Rollins as head coach and Tom Hooper as a non-faculty, assistant to the coach.

It also accepted a number of resignations and approved additional personnel matters including:

* The resignation of Sarah Guite, communication arts teacher, who will be replaced by Virginia Sturgeon;

* The employment of Bethany Britt as the middle school M.A.P. facilitator/ "Pull-out teacher" who will be responsible for working with students below proficient level;

* The employment of April Franks as an instructional aid in the K-2 M.R. classroom;

* The employment of Rachel Overbey as the Asthma Care Educator, paid through a Missouri Foundation for Health grant;

* The resignation of Jerry Gray as a custodian;

* The employment of Jerri Dawn Stewart as a full-time practical nursing instructor within the district, and;

* The employment of Christina Taylor as the high school Spanish teacher and Thomas O'Connor as the part-time Spanish instructor.