JCBE/POLICY FILE: 452.13

Approved: 5/29/87

VOLUNTARY DRUG TESTING PROGRAM

Philosophy

Because the Jefferson County Board of Education believes that it shares in the responsibility of protecting its students from activities and influences dangerous to their health and safety, the Board recognizes that appropriate measures should be taken to discourage the use of drugs by its students.

Continuing education with accurate, realistic information and alternatives should be provided to fortify prevention ant intervention of drug use. Since the health of those students participating in extracurricular activities may be jeopardized if they were involved in drug use, the Jefferson County Board of Education has adopted the following program:

Policy

1. Drug testing shall be on a voluntary basis.

2. The testing shall involve only those students who are participating in extracurricular activities.

3. The parents or legal guardian must sign an agreement before any test is administered.

4. Punitive or coercive action shall not be taken against a student who does not volunteer to participate in the testing program.

5. Funding for drug testing shall be arranged by the local school.

6. This policy does not supercede existing Board policies.

Procedures

Any school which desires to participate in a voluntary drug-testing program shall adhere to the following procedures:

1. An extracurricular program head desiring to initiate a voluntary drug-testing program shall present his/her written plan to the principal of the local school.

A. The plan shall include a copy of the agreement to be signed by program head, student and parent or legal guardian. The agreement shall include steps planned to be taken if student's drug test should prove positive.

B. The plan shall stipulate the party or parties responsible for all costs of the drug-testing program.

C. The plan shall be approved by the principal, assistant superintendent for school groups, and the Superintendent.

D. Any employee who causes this policy to become nonvoluntary, either directly or indirectly, shall be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

2. Confidentiality and due process shall be assured.