Central adopts random drug testing policy

PARK HILLS — The Central School District now has a drug testing policy in place for students. The school board voted on Monday to adopt a new policy that calls for random drug testing of high school and middle school students.

The testing will start in the fall when students return from the summer break. The new policy allows for monthly testing of three random high school students and two random middle school students who participate in Missouri State High School Activities Association sanctioned events.

“This is a huge step for us,” said Central Assistant Superintendent Dr. Desi Mayberry. “I think we are one of about 110 high schools in the state that now has a drug testing policy. We actually had conversations over the past few months over our concerns. We want this policy to be a deterrent for students using drugs. We didn’t adopt this to try to punish the students that are using drugs, we did this to take a more proactive approach. We want to try to stop them from using drugs in the first place.”

Dave Gross, a Central school board member, said he had been approached by several people who have children and grandchildren about getting a drug testing policy in place.

“They asked if there was anything we could do to help get the drugs under control,” Gross said. “The school board and the administration worked together to get this policy in place and I am proud that our district is stepping forward and is taking a proactive approach.”

Gross said if the policy helps or saves one child, it’s worth it.

In other matters the board approved using Wonder Bread for its bread vendor in 2008-2009. The board also approved a bid from Gilliland Construction for $42,000 to replace 51 doors at West Elementary. The doors are located in the old section of the building.

During the food service report Beth Baker talked about the district’s free breakfast program for students. Central started offering the program this year and has decided to continued during the 2008-2009 school year.

Don Huff and Kim Buckley gave a report on the Aces Program. The Aces Program is a program that aims at improving student attendance at the middle school. Each semester, the program targets six to seven students who need to improve their attendance.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.