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Governance committee continues suspension of random student drug-testing policy pending alternative plan
Summary
The governance committee voted to continue suspension of the district's random drug-testing policy for nonathletic extracurricular activities and asked administration and the board attorney to develop alternatives; NJSIAA athletic testing remains unchanged.
The Hillsborough Township Board of Education's governance committee on Nov. 18 unanimously agreed to continue the suspension of the district's random drug-testing policy (policy 5131) for non‑NJSIAA extracurricular activities while administrators develop a formalized alternative.
Committee members cited limited return on investment for the current program and discussed reallocating resources toward education and parent outreach. The committee asked Mr. V to review the policy with the board attorney and bring recommended revisions back to the committee; any policy change would require two full board readings before taking effect.
Members clarified that the NJSIAA process for athletic testing is separate: the state randomly selects schools and students for athletic drug testing, and the district must comply when selected.
The governance committee also discussed related practices such as historical breathalyzer use at sporting events and dances; committee members said they will investigate past practices as they consider alternatives.
No final board policy change was enacted at the Nov. 18 meeting; the committee's action was to continue suspension and to develop a recommended replacement policy for future consideration.
