Random Drug Testing Approved By Warsaw Community Schools

Policy to allow random drug testing of students was passed Monday by the Warsaw Community Schools board of trustees.

No one spoke against the policy at the meeting.

The targeted groups for drug testing are students in athletic programs and vocational programs, and any student who drives to school.

Dr. Lee Harman, WCS superintendent, said the purpose of the policy is to maintain a safe environment for students.

The policy for the athletic department will stay the same as what is already in place, but with an alteration in the consequences of positive testing. The new consequences will allow a student to continue to participate in the athletic program instead of the one-year suspension previously proposed.

Students in extracurricular activities who test positive for drug use will not be allowed to participate in activities or competitions off school grounds. They will be allowed to attend meetings at the school.

Vocational students, if tested positive, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on what job the student is doing.

Those students who drive to school and test positive will lose their driving privileges for nine weeks. This also includes students in athletic, vocational and extracurricular activities.

The school also will help students in receiving drug counseling. Parents will be notified of the drug test results and the school will have the option to conduct searches of their locker, car and person.

An addition to the policy, since the proposal was introduced two months ago, is the presence of a study committee. The committee will watch over the drug testing, review the program and make changes, if needed.

Harman said the committee will comprise a variety of individuals from the school, the public and anyone else who would have an interest in the policy. He said anyone interested in being a member can contact him for more information.

After little discussion from the board and from only one parent, board member Craig Allebach made the motion to accept the policy; his motion was seconded by Joel Scrafton. The vote was unanimous.

Of the seven-member board, six were present for the monthly meeting with George Klinger the only member not present.