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The Springer school district has rescinded a policy approved in March that would allow random drug testing for all its students, but will keep drug testing in place for those involved in extracurricular activities, The Raton Range reported.
Springer Schools Superintendent Gregg McMann said there had been “miscommunication” between the school district and the Cuddy Law Firm, which helps school districts develop policy, over what the district could legally do regarding drug testing of students, The Range said.
McMann told The Range that the law firm indicated that random drug testing could not apply to all students but that those in extracurricular activities could be tested.
According to the revised policy passed on Aug. 7, students may be subject to drug testing as long as they participate in extracurricular activities and that at least 10 percent but not more than 25 percent of student athletes and members of activities “shall be randomly selected to be tested for drug use at each test, which may be conducted up to 18 times a year,” the paper reported.
Students who test positive for the first time will be suspended from activities for two weeks, and if a positive test occurs during the off-season or pre-season, the suspension will be in effect for the first two weeks of the upcoming sports season, The Range said.
A second offense will result in a 180-day suspension from activities, and a third positive test will mean suspension from activities for 360 days and participation in an approved drug education and counseling program at the parents’ expense, according to The Range.
