PLAINWELL, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A new policy aimed at curtailing drug use among students in extracurricular programs could begin as early as next week at Plainwell Community Schools.
The school board approved the policy, which subjects students to randomized tests while involved in clubs and sports, at a meeting on December 2nd, 2019.
School officials now say the new policy could begin as early as Monday, January 20th. The tests are meant to detect traces of drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine or opioids, as well as alcohol and nicotine consumption in students engaged in school programs.
As part of the measure, parents will need to sign permission forms consenting to the drug testing policy at the start of each athletic season or semester for clubs.
The office of superintendent Matthew Montange has stated that so far most students have consented to the new policy and turned in the relevant permission slips.
After implementation, the testing will be done at least once every trimester and will involve urine samples provided by students. The district cautions that the substance tests can be done at any point though throughout the school year.
These new rules only pertain to high school students in the district involved with sports or other extracurriculars, of which 300 participate out of the total student body of 860 students.
The district says that after testing positive, students will have their parents or guardians contacted. First offenses will result in a suspension from 50% of competitions, and second offenders will be subject to suspension for a full calendar year from the date of the most recent test.
Students who fail once will have the option to apply to be reinstated to athletic programs halfway through their suspension by agreeing to complete the Prime for Life Drug Awareness Program and undergo continued testing during a probationary period. Third time offenders will be prohibited from being allowed to participate in sports altogether.
During a meeting in November, parents voiced issues with the proposed policy which many critics said could potentially deter students from signing-on to after school programs. At the December 2nd meeting where board members voted to approve the policy, five gave the okay to the new rules while two opposed the measures.
