Student drug tests could be delayed

WESTBORO School Committee members tonight will consider putting a temporary hold on the student drug testing they approved at their last meeting.

The policy has drawn criticism from some civil liberties advocates.

The drug test, approved April 25, would be in addition to a breath test currently in the school districts chemical health policy.

Although it would not be in place until at least the fall, Superintendent Marianne OConnor said the committee now plans to slow the process down to make sure it has the correct language.

The superintendent wants public input on the policy.

Under the policy that was approved, students would not be forced to take a drug test. Similarly, students have not been forced to take alcohol breath tests. There is no random testing in Westboro Public Schools.

This is just an opportunity for us to not be subjective, Ms. OConnor said. If we have any concern about a student it is going to be used solely with the permission of the student.

She said if an administrator has reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the student would be asked if he would agree to a saliva test, with parents being notified.

At any point before, during or after, parents are always contacted by phone and informed of the testing or if theres any concern about the student, Ms. OConnor said.

Any student found in violation or who refuses a test is released to parents custody, after which a meeting is set up between the student and parents and an administrator.

See more here:
Student drug tests could be delayed