Proposed Random Drug Testing Policy

PROPOSED RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY

PARENT & STUDENT INFORMATION The CISD Board of Trustees has been discussing and working towards the implementation of a random drug testing program since August of 2014. A parent/community survey was made available in the fall semester to give out information regarding the program, as well as to get feedback from parents and the community. In addition to the Winter Bash on January 12th, a public information session was held on Saturday, January 10th to share the details of the proposed policy. What follows is a brief summary of the proposed policy. Final policy is on the agenda for board approval at the next regularly scheduled meeting, January 15th. Note: Changes may occur to this proposed policy in the process of board approval.

Why are we implementing a random drug testing program? 1. To provide students a deterrent to the use of illegal drugs and alcohol; 2. To give students a valid reason to resist peer pressure to use illegal drugs and alcohol; 3. To prevent injury, illness, and harm as a result of the use of the illegal drugs and alcohol; 4. To maintain a school environment free of drug and alcohol use and its effects; and 5. To educate students as to the serious physical, mental, and emotional harm caused by the use of illegal drugs and alcohol.

Who would be included for testing?  Any 7th through 12th grade student involved in school-sponsored extracurricular or co-curricular activities*.  Any high school student who parks on campus.  Any 10th through 12th grade student who wants to have open-campus lunch privileges.  Any student whose parent voluntarily opts-in to the program.  Any student who tests positive would be automatically be on the list for future random test dates.

*School-sponsored co-curricular or extracurricular activity shall mean, without limitation, all 7th – 12th grade interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, academic UIL, special interest clubs and organizations, groups that perform musical performances or dramatic productions, student government, and any other activity or group that participates in contests, competitions, or community service projects on behalf of or as a representative of the District … essentially, if a student is involved in anything at school, they would be included.

What substances will be included in testing? The final determination of substances will be made by the District, approved by the school board and provided to the drug testing company in advance of the school year.  Substances that are illegal to buy, possess, use, sell, or distribute under state or federal law, including prescription drugs and alcohol  Substances including marijuana, cocaine, methaqualone, benzodiazepines, phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, barbiturates, propoxyphene, amphetamines/methamphetamines, opiates, metabolites of any of these substances, and performance-enhancing substances  Tests will also be run for synthetic marijuana (commonly known as “Spice”, “K2”) and other over-the- counter substances that may cause impairment of physical and mental faculties.

When would testing occur? At the beginning of the school year, the district would provide the drug testing company with a school calendar and any dates that would be excluded from possible testing. Testing would occur at random times throughout the school year. Students, teachers, and coaches would not know in advance. Only the principal of the school would be notified of the testing day and time.

Where would testing occur? On the junior high campus and on the high school campus, specific locations would be chosen that best fit the needs of the individual campus. The location would be a bathroom facility or locker room. During the testing time, the facility would be off-limits to anyone other than those participating in or monitoring testing. The environment will be no more intrusive than what a person would experience in any public restroom.

How will testing occur? Testing will be done by student urine sample. A designated staff member will be present in the restroom facility within hearing distance of the sample being produced, but the staff member will not directly observe any students producing samples. The presence of the staff member is meant to ensure no tampering with the sample and to ensure a proper chain of custody.

Student will produce one sample that will be split by the drug testing representative into two test bottles. The student will verify that the sample collected is his/her sample. The first portion of the sample will be tested by the drug testing company. If an initial positive result is received, the second portion of the sample will be automatically tested for confirmation to reduce the chance of a false positive. If a confirmed positive test is received, the principal of the school shall contact the student and the student’s parent to give them an opportunity to explain the results. If there is no valid medical explanation as provided by a doctor for the positive results, consequences will be imposed immediately on the student.

A student who fails to report for testing when called or who refuses to test will be considered to have tested positive and all the consequences of a positive test will be imposed immediately.

What are the consequences for testing positive? The results of any drug test administered under this policy shall be used only to determine eligibility for participation in school-sponsored co-curricular or extracurricular activities, for parking, and/or for open campus privileges. The specific consequences include:  Suspension of participation in school-sponsored extracurricular/co-curricular activities, parking privileges, open campus lunch privileges for specific # of calendar days  Completion of a drug counseling program approved by the district  Submission to each future random drug testing date for one calendar year

1 st Offense 2 nd Offense 3 rd Offense

Suspension of privileges Suspension of privileges Suspension of privileges for 15 calendar days for 90 calendar days for remainder of junior high (or high school, whichever applies)

Drug counseling Drug counseling

Tested at each future test date Tested at each future test Date

The random drug testing policy implementation does not limit the school’s responsibility or authority to discipline any student suspected of being under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Confidentiality Results shall be kept confidential and shall be disclosed only to the student, his or her parents/guardians, and school officials designated by the Superintendent. Results shall not be placed in students’ permanent files with other student records.

Questions & Comments Any parent, student, staff member, or community member wishes to ask questions or submit feedback may complete a comment card and turn it in the appropriate principal. Individuals are also invited to attend the board meeting on Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 pm.