Forum Gathers Input on Proposed Drug-Testing Policy

The Board held a forum Wednesday night to give parents and other community members the chance to offer input on whether the district should implement a random drug-testing policy at .

Dozens of parents filled the Middle School North cafetorium, providing comments at the podium and on cards.

"Your input is very important to us," said Board President Kathy Brown. "We know there are strong feelings on both sides."

Brown said the dates back three years. At the time, the District 95 Board considered implementing such a policy, but the issue was tabled when the economy took a downturn and the district was forced to make budget cuts.

The board revisited the issue about a year ago, Brown said, and has since explored possible procedures for random drug-testing.

Barbara Belke, the district's Student Assistance Program (SAP) coordinator, provided an overview of the proposed drug-testing policy. The following are among the proposed procedures:

• Testing would occur up to six times per year, with a random sample of up to 15 athletes, activity participants or parking permit recipients per test.

• The random sample would be selected by computer.

• The SAP coordinator would coordinate and oversee the program.

• For the test, a half-inch portion of hair would be tested.

• The samples would be tested for marijuana, cocaine, opiates and methamphetamine.

• Students would be tested during non-academic periods and would be escorted by a dean or other administrator.

• Parents would be notified of the test results both by a phone call and a follow-up letter.

• Upon a first offense, the student would be suspended from participating in his or her activities for 50 percent of the season/academic year or performances. That could be reduced to 25 percent if the student followed the SAP coordinator's recommendations. The first offense for a student with a parking permit would result in the loss of parking privileges for 20 school days, but that could be reduced by 50 percent by following the SAP coordinator's recommendations.

• Upon a second offense, the student would be suspended from participating in his or her activities for a full season/academic year or performances. That could be reduced to 50 percent should the student follow the SAP coordinator's recommendations. A student with a parking permit would lose his or her parking privileges for the rest of the school year.

• The cost to administer the hair test is $40 per student, along with $25 per hour to hire for a contracted hair dresser.

More information on the proposed policy can be found on the district's website.

Brown expects a final vote on the proposed policy to take place in November or December.

What did parents have to say about the proposal? Read some comments and share your own.