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Board hears concerns about student substance use and considers reinstating athlete testing
Summary
Superintendent raised concerns about substance use in middle grades and asked the board if it wants to explore bringing back athlete drug testing (previously used). He noted hair testing is more accurate than urine and that labs shifted capacity during COVID.
Superintendent (S4) told the board he is concerned about substance use, particularly in some middle-school grades, and asked whether the board had "an appetite" to explore bringing back athlete drug testing. He said the district previously used random testing for athletes and that the program phased out during COVID when labs shifted capacity. "I think it's important," S4 said, noting hair testing as a potential option because it offers a longer detection window and greater accuracy than urine testing.
Board members discussed the idea cautiously and asked for more background on why the testing was phased out and how to design any phased reintroduction, including counseling components and options for tribal students and parental opt-ins. Superintendent S4 said administration would gather additional information and speak with coaches and stakeholders before returning with a proposal.
