The Butler Area school board is moving ahead with a new drug policy at the district that would stipulate random drug testing for some students.
The board unanimously approved the first reading of the policy at Monday’s meeting. Plans are to have to have the policy in effect for next school year in August.
The substance abuse policy is modeled after the policies at Mars and Seneca Valley school districts in which students who elect to drive to school, participate in extra-curricular activities and are student athletes will be subject to random drug tests.
It’s illegal to subject the entire student body to random drug testing so stipulations have to be made.
Officials hope the policy will be a deterrent to students thinking about using drugs or alcohol, or help students struggling get the help they need.