Mary Alice Reporting –
The subject of carrying out a policy for opt-in drug testing for students was discussed during the latest Claymont Board of Education meeting.
In March 2017, a policy was adopted regarding drug testing for eligible students, which is those involved in extracurricular activities, like band, athletics, advisory groups, and others.
Superintendent Brian Rentsch says the subject was brought up recently as a possible deterrent of illegal drug use, and the board was asked about their thoughts on enforcing the policy.
Member Solomon Peters asked what would happen if a student tested positive.
“Are they suspended from whatever extracurricular that they’re doing? Knowing some students, if they test positive and you suspended them from what they’re doing, they’re going to say I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing anyhow [cause I can’t do the after school activity].”
Rentsch noted that it would be a four step process including getting the youth into a program with the overall price of missing out on the after school activity.
“The parent would have to enroll their child into that program and by the current policy, there’s so many days that’d have to get back to the supervisor or athletic director.”
Board member Lois Grandison, who has a healthcare background, asked about the parent opt-in consent and if it would apply to the entire district or just those students enrolled in an extracurricular program. She also questioned the options for families who can’t pay for a drug program and what counseling service they would go through.
The overall message is that the policy is in place but testing has never occurred. If testing would start, the district would be responsible for costs.
The board is expected to continue their discussions with the focus on starting at the middle school level.
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