The Board recognizes the importance of protecting the health and safety of students from the use of illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs and alcohol. The purpose of this policy is to help prevent substance abuse among students, to encourage treatment for students with substance abuse problems and to ensure that students have the opportunity to attend school and participate in activities in a fair, safe and healthy environment.

The superintendent or designee is directed to adopt procedures to carry out the intent of this policy and may contact the district’s attorney for assistance in applying this policy. The district will use a laboratory certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Random Drug Testing

Participation in Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSSHA) activities, school clubs and parking in school lots are privileges and carry with them the responsibility to adhere to high standards of conduct, including refraining from the use of illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs and alcohol. To assist students in making healthy and safe choices, the district will conduct random drug testing of students in grades 7-12 as a condition of participation in covered activities. Covered activities are activities regulated by MSHSAA, school clubs and parking in school lots. Students suspended from graded activities will be given an alternate graded assignment. District employees shall not have the authority to waive the testing of any student selected using the random selection process.

Students who test positive through this random testing program will be excluded from participation in covered extracurricular activities as follows:

First Offense – Exclusion from all covered activities for a minimum of 30 calendar days and must pass a drug test administered by the district prior to participating in covered activities again.

Second Offense – Exclusion from all covered activities for a minimum of 90 calendar days and must pass a drug test administered by the district prior to participating in covered activities again.

Each Subsequent Offense – Excluded from all covered activities for 365 calendar days and must pass a drug test administered by the district prior to participating in covered activities again.

The consequences may be reduced if the student participates in drug or alcohol counseling and additional testing in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent or designee. A positive test through this random testing program will not result in suspension from school or academic sanctions. The district will not report results to law enforcement.

Federal

Board of Educ. of Ind. Sch. Dist. No. 92 of Pottawatomie County v. Earls, 536 U.S. 822 (2002) Vernonia Sch. Dist. v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646 (1995) U.S. Const. amend. IV U.S. Constitution