UPDATED: McKinney ISD to institute random drug testing for athletes, others

Updated 01:48 p.m., May 22, 2009

by PegNews wire

The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees voted Monday night to administer random drug tests to students who participate in extracurricular activities. While athletes are the most high-profile students subject to tests, the ruling also applies to those participating in activities such as music, drama, and student council.

Superintendent Tom Crowe says the move is more of a preventative one than a reactive one, as he claims McKinney ISD does not have a huge drug problem right now. Students will start being tested as soon as they reach middle school.

UPDATE: Here's the official release from McKinney ISD:

At the May 18, 2009 regular board meeting, McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved a drug/alcohol testing policy with the primary intent to deter students from engaging in drug and alcohol usage. In addition, the program is aimed at referring students testing positive to the Collin Country Substance Abuse Program for professional counseling and Students in grades 7-12, who participate in extracurricular activities, will be required to submit to drug/alcohol testing beginning next fall. Extracurricular activities subject to this policy include, but are not limited to all UIL activities, school-sponsored student clubs or organizations, student council, and all elected and appointed student officers.

Additionally, any student may voluntarily agree to participate in the drug/alcohol testing program with the written consent of their parent/guardian.

The district is optimistic that the measure will provide a deterrent to drug/alcohol use for students in grades 7-12, provide students with a tool to deal with peer pressure, and to provide drug/alcohol education and counseling for those students who test positive for drug/alcohol use. Last year, the State mandated random testing of high school athletes for performance enhancing drugs like steroids. These will continue, but the new random drug testing policy will focus on illegal substances including, but not limited to: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, methaqualone, opiates, phencyclidine, and other illegal or addictive drug and any adulterant.

Many districts throughout the state have mandated a drug/alcohol testing measure into their district policy to provide a sense of accountability for students in extracurricular activities and throughout their districts. Several other districts with random drug testing policies include, but are not limited to: Anna ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, Frisco ISD, Lewisville ISD, Melissa ISD, Prosper ISD, Tomball ISD and Whitesboro ISD.

A student who tests positive for the first time will be assessed a minimum 30-calendar day suspension from all extracurricular activities. The student will be referred to the Collin County Substance Abuse Program for an assessment, which will determine the length of counseling needed for the student. In addition, students must obtain a negative test result prior rejoining an extracurricular activity and continue to retest with each random testing group for one calendar year.

Students receiving a second positive test will be assessed a minimum 90-calendar day suspension, must be retested with a negative test result until they graduate or no longer participate in extracurricular activities, and must fulfill the counseling obligations set out by the Collin County Substance Abuse Program.

A third positive test will result in a one calendar year suspension from all extracurricular activities in addition to the obligations and negative test criteria list above. If a student receives a fourth positive test they will be removed from all participation in extracurricular activities for as long as the student is enrolled in McKinney ISD. Refusal to participate in a drug/alcohol test after signing the consent will constitute suspension from the activity.

“The primary purpose of this program is to serve as a deterrent,” said Cody Cunningham, Assistant to the Superintendent for Communications. “In many cases districts are finding that this gives students a great reason, or explanation, in cases of peer pressure. If random drug testing helps give students just one more reason for saying no to drug use, we feel it will have a positive impact on our students and create a safer learning environment.”

The district is currently reviewing certified drug testing laboratories. Students selected to be tested will be asked to visit the laboratory with his/her parent or guardian. Currently, the district is analyzing how the plan will be funded. However, it may be a shared responsibility between the parent and district, and the $15-$25 cost of the test would be added to any current activity fee for participation in the extra-curricular activity.

“We also want to be as sensitive as possible to the privacy of our students and, therefore, we believe working with a certified laboratory and asking for the accompaniment of the parent is important,” said Cunningham. “While we recognize this may create minor inconveniences for parents and students, we feel the benefits are significant and worthwhile. The overwhelming majority of parent feedback has been favorable and supportive of the initiative.”

Posted by Alex B.