Скачать или смотреть Expanding Drug Testing In Jackson County Schools

SYLVA, N.C. -- Jackson County school leaders want to expand random drug testing of high school students.

That already exists for student-athletes at places like Smoky Mountain High, where Jan Gass' son plays multiple sports.

"On my part, I would be OK with it," she says.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Murray says it should apply to students who drive to school and those in extra-curricular activities. He says that would provide an extra layer of protection.

"What I really want to see is this program used as a deterrent. This should be a deterrent for people to think, I could be tested. If I make that kind of choice, there could be some real consequences," he says.

Policy details are still in the works, but random testing would only apply at the high school level, not middle schools.

Student-athletes who test positive now, must leave the team for the season. Their parents are notified. Law enforcement is not. Murray says the idea is to balance helping students who make bad choices with counseling, but also establishing consequences.

He says some parents have voiced privacy concerns, but he says he has support from the majority of them.

"I understand privacy is something everybody appreciates. But I feel like the intent behind it is to keep and protect our young people from doing drugs," says parent Josh Lavere.

Nine thousand dollars a year is spent now for drug testing of student-athletes and bus drivers, and the expanded program would need more funding.

"We will have an increase there but not an excessive one," says Murray.

Jan Gass says it would be worth it. "I want our schools to be safe."

The school board is set to vote on the policy change May 26. The public is invited to comment before the vote is taken.

By Rex Hodge
Follow Rex on Twitter @RexHodgeWLOS

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