Triton adopts drug testing policy
6-3
By Anthony Gadson
Pilot News
BOURBON � For the first time in the school�s history, Triton has a drug testing policy.
The Triton School Board approved the policy during Monday's regular meeting.
The policy, which goes into effect today, allows the school to test athletes, students involved in extra-curricular activities and students who drive to school.
One of the reasons for passing the policies is stated is school officials believe extra-curricular activities are not a right, but as a privilege. Being in the extra-curricular activity, the student is a leader in the school and community, and must set a good example for others.
The corporation is also concerned over student drivers operating their vehicles while under the influence of any substance.
As part of the privilege for participating in an extra-curricular activity at Triton, students from grade seven to twelve, must now fill out a form agreeing to participate in random drug screenings for alcohol, drugs and tobacco products (Student drivers will not be tested for tobacco).
The school will also test any student who volunteers to be in the program, or whose parents of guardians request the their child be in the program.
Any student who voluntarily confesses to having a substance abuse problem will not be penalized, as long as the student confesses before being found in violation.
Faculty members and administrators have also been asked to participate in the program, but they do not have to if they don't wish to.
The penalty for a student's first offense is a suspension for one-third of the students season or school year.
The second offense includes a suspension of a year in the student's activity, and a forfeiture of any awards given during that season or year. Driving privileges are also revoked for a year.
The third offense constitutes a suspension of all athletic, extra-curricular and driving privileges for that students entire career at the school.
All tests are done randomly, but the "Triton School Corporation reserves the right to test any student participant who at any time exhibits behavior that establishes 'probable cause' or 'reasonable suspicion' that may suggest drug, alcohol or tobacco use".
Students will also fail their tests if they refuse to test or are unable to urinate two hours after receiving eight ounces of water.
"The (Triton) School Corporation feels that there is a special need for this Drug Education and Testing Program Policy, which includes a random drug testing program, and that such a program is a fair and necessary tool to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the students and employees of the School Corporation and to discourage and deter students from using drugs and tobacco products, and to also encourage students to say 'no' to drugs and alcohol and tobacco," the policy states as its purpose.
Two years ago drug testing was ruled unconstitutional, but since then schools have been working on new policies they believe will pass the constitutional test.
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