The board’s policy review committee brought proposed revisions to the 5000 student policy series for first reading on Nov. 24; discussion focused on policy 5530.01 (random drug testing for students participating in athletics, activities or parking privileges).

Committee members recounted the policy’s history: adopted in February 2018, the district has administered about 400 random tests since implementation and, according to school staff, recorded zero positive results. Administrators described the operational process: student ID numbers are randomized by a third‑party vendor, tests (cheek swabs) are administered by a medical provider (identified in the discussion as Froedtert/Froedter in the transcript) and parents are notified immediately of negative results. Costs were described as about $2,000 per year to fund the randomizer plus test administration fees.

Board members expressed differing views. Supporters called the policy a deterrent to students starting substance use and an accountability measure for participants in extracurriculars. Others pointed to research questioning the deterrent effect of random testing and raised legal and liability concerns (Neola counsel was cited as cautioning that the district could be vulnerable if policy language differs from state or federal standards). The chair proposed splitting the drug‑testing item out for focused review and a separate vote at second reading; the board agreed to that approach.