Random drug testing of Northland Pines students participating in school activities and those who drive to school continued to be discussed this week by the district policy committee with administrator Mike Richie, other staff, and several parents. Richie reminded those they are continuing to investigate a policy.
“I've contacted (Vilas County) Sheriff Joe Fath and (Eagle River police chief) Mark Vander Bloomen inviting them to parents meeting for a panel discussion on these issues in our community,” Richie said.
Board president Jim Mulleady, who is undecided, felt the district would be safer but wondered if they are taking on the role of parents.
“What's the lessor of two evils, taking on the parent role or ignoring it?” Mulleady said, indicating he wanted the district to go slow.
Parent Theresa Dorn, of Land O' Lakes, favored having it addressed by drug and alcohol counselors. “You target two groups and some districts who had drug testing dropped it when they found out they weren't reducing use,” Dorn said.
There are 420 Northland Pines high school students but the district didn't have a number that would be in the testing pool but felt it would be a majority.
