A compromise who may be subject to random drug testing in Northland Pines school district was discussed again with the district policy committee this week, but may have generated more questions than answers.
District administrator Mike Richie indicated a new approach was needed for the district to consider; random testing all students in grades 7-12 next year but only with parent permission. “A permission letter would be sent to parents and if they signed and returned it, only those would be placed on a list for random testing,” Richie explained. “I think this is a good compromise and we could do it this way or not do it at all.”
Previously the district considered random drug testing only for those involved in school activities or who drove to school. The district would pay for the drug test on 10 randomly selected students a month, but if parents wanted tests done on children not randomly selected, the parents would have to pay for the test which costs an estimated $30.
Board president Holly McCormack suggested one option would be for parents sign up but have parents pay for the test, and if drug testing was implemented she thought kids would “just start drinking,” noting alcohol was not part of the test of 10 drugs. Discussion indicated a positive test alone would not be cause for expulsion, questions on how drugs were obtained could not be asked, what would the district do if parents didn't do anything about a positive test, and athletic codes would still have to be followed.
But staff felt just having a permission letter for parents could start communication between parents and their children about drugs, which would be a positive. The full board may act by August.
Drugs that applicants for employment are tested for are the following. No decision has been made on which ones students would be tested for should a drug policy be implemented: Amphetamines barbiturates,Benzodiazepine, Buprenorphine,cocaine , creatinine, opiate, methadone, Phencyclidine ,Oxycodone, marijuana.
