Jefferson City School Board approves drug testing for students in extra-curriculars
The Jefferson City School Board made a unanimous decision that all students participating in extra-curricular activities must submit to random drug testing.
The Board said they want students to take drugs seriously and let them know if they fail these tests they won’t be able to participate.
It does not matter if the student plays football or marches in the band, they’ll have to agree to random drug testing.
Marching Band Director Brett Myers said, “They’re representing their school, they’re representing their community, they’re representing their parents, and the Jay Band. We are asking them these citizenship requirements just like any other activity.”
For the past 5 years, students involved in sports have had to submit to bulk tests at the beginning of each season.
Activities Director Mark Caballero said, “Off the bulk test, we then come up with randoms, and our random drug testing is weekly here at the high school. We will pull kids in once for the fall sports and once for fine arts. We just won’t tell them what days.”
“All we’re doing now is advancing the program now into the fine arts piece and taking it to the next level, which will help us help our kids. I really believe it’s going to help us in the overall culture of our school because we want to promote a positive lifestyle and we don’t believe that drugs and alcohol are a part of that positive lifestyle,” said Caballero.
Coaches told ABC 17 that if a student does not pass their drug test, they’ll be offered counseling and resourced to try to get them to stop using. Then later on, they’ll be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities as long as they stay clean.
