WAXAHACHIE ISD reports flu season managed, continues drug testing; security checks ongoing

Waxahachie Independent School District health staff told the School Health Advisory Council the district "weathered the flu storm fairly well" and is monitoring a regional measles outbreak while following health-department guidance.

WISD health staff reported substance-testing data for recent months: in February there were five marijuana-positive tests at the hospital campus, three of which were retests (leaving two newly positive individuals), and in March there were two new THC positives. The staff member said there have been no positives this year at Global High School and only one positive across the three junior high campuses this school year.

Lieutenant Christopher Dickinson, WISD security, said the district continues drug-dog searches and random metal detecting at campuses. "We continue to do the drug dog searches. We continue to do random metal detecting. And I'm happy to report they're going really well," Dickinson said. He said officers and SROs remain visible at events such as a recent junior-high district track meet and that students appear to feel safe.

Health staff described the February retests as possibly reflecting declining THC levels as students metabolize the compound; the staff member cautioned that retesting figures may not always indicate worsening drug use because a retester can remain positive while levels decline.

No new policies or disciplinary changes were approved at the meeting; the council formed a subcommittee to review the district drug-testing policy (see separate report). District staff said they will continue to monitor communicable-disease guidance from the health department and maintain security screening measures on campuses.

The district did not provide specific campus-level case counts for influenza or measles at this meeting beyond the summary given by health staff.