The Butler Area school board is considering a revision to their policy regarding results from random drug testing of students involved in certain activities.
The board unanimously approved the first reading of the policy at Monday’s meeting with a second reading and formal adoption expected next month.
The substance abuse policy states students who elect to drive to school, participate in extra-curricular activities or are student athletes will be subject to random drug tests.
While the penalty for a first offense will remain a 14 day suspension from the sport, activity, or parking privilege, the main change to this policy involves the consequences for a second offense.
Previously that punishment had been suspension from the privilege for one year. The revision would see those with a second positive test repeat the 14 day suspension but also meet with a district administrator to create a support program of at least six months.
“We’re trying to encourage treatment, therapy, and counseling,” Superintendent Dr. Brian White explained. “If we remove all the incentives for the students and parents to participate in those activities, I think we’re going to see more recurrence if we don’t have some incentive.”
The new policy is designed to be more of a help to students struggling get the assistance they need.
