LAKE STEVENS – An estimated 600 of Lake Stevens High School’s 2,200 students could be subject to random tests for drug use this school year.
The school board on Wednesday is expected to approve a final policy for a drug testing program at the high school.
For the first year, the urinalysis testing will include student leaders, as well as those involved in athletics and other competitive activities sanctioned by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, such as cheerleading.
Students who test positive for drug use would be suspended from their sport or activity for two weeks.
“We need to do something,” school board President Janice Thompson said. “It’s our responsibility to do that. These kids can’t learn if they’re on drugs, and the problem is not getting any better.”
The final draft of the policy backs away from earlier plans that would have also extended testing to students in clubs and those with parking permits.
School leaders will return to those groups a year from now.
“We felt like since most of this work was done when school was out and our teachers weren’t available, including teachers who run our clubs … we felt we needed until next fall to get some time and thoughtfully do it,” Thompson said.
There are more than 20 student clubs at the high school. Some meet every week, others once or twice a month. Few have formal sign-up sheets.
School administrators estimate the cost of testing during the first year will be about $10,000. The money will come out of the general fund budget, though the district also is seeking grants.
Technicians with Seattle-based LabCorp will test students for a variety of drugs, which would change as different drugs enter and fall off the drug scene, school district spokeswoman Arlene Hulten said.
A clinician would report positive drug test results to a doctor or medical review officer with the company, who would then contact the student’s parents as well as a designated contact person at the high school.
Along with being suspended from an activity, the student would be required to meet with a school drug and alcohol specialist, who could refer them to professional treatment. Another drug test would be given before they return to play.
“What we’re really trying to do here is help students,” Thompson said. “This is not punitive. This is not to punish kids.”
School administrators have sought ways to improve drug and alcohol prevention efforts for more than a year, concerned by discipline reports and student surveys.
One result last fall was requiring drug tests for students entering Prove High School, an alternative program. In May, the school board directed Superintendent David Burgess to come up with a testing program for Lake Stevens High School.
A committee of students, school staff and community members helped craft the proposal.
The school board plans to vote on the proposal at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the educational service center, 12309 22nd St. NE.
Reporter Melissa Slager: 425-339-3465 or mslager@heraldnet.com.
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