The first review of a random drug testing policy for students grades nine to twelve was approved Monday by the Northland Pines school board to begin this school year and only take place with parent-guardian signed permission.
In discussion since last January, the policy will now be voluntary with signed permission on file with the district office and would remain on file until either the student is no longer enrolled, or the permission is revoked.
The voluntary nature of the program and ability to opt out at any time swayed board member John Sarama to support it. Ten substances would be tested for with collection and analysis done by Options Laboratory of Appleton. Cost is estimated at $3,195 per school year based on five tests per month for nine months. All test results would be confidential and not disclosed except if authorized by the student, students parents or guardian, or as legally required. Positive tests will generate mediated contact to parentsguardians by phone.
Each year administration will report to the board the number of tests and the number of positive and negative test results. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year the program will expand to include grades seven to twelve.
