3/1/17
by News Department on 03/01/17Drug Testing...
A plan to implement a drug testing program is in the works in one Schuylkill County school district.
According to a state survey in 2015, 13-percent of Blue Mountain School District students admitted to smoking marijuana, and 25-percent say they've used other illegal drugs. That's why 7th through 12th grade students will now be subject to random drug testing.
Consent forms were sent to parents. If the forms are not signed, those students will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities or student privileges.
Some organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union say the policy is an invasion of privacy.
At Blue Mountain, urine tests will look for marijuana, opioids and other common drugs.
The drug test results will not be submitted to local police; only the school district and parents will be notified.
Parents suspecting a drug problem can contact the school to arrange a drug test.
Drug testing could begin as early as next month.
