After multiple readings, postponements, and questions concerning test validity, the Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees has approved the much-talked about drug testing policy for Amador’s high schools. The approval is contingent upon the district obtaining funding to support the policy, which will require random drug testing for students involved in sports and other school activities. Also, parents will be able to request drug testing for their child, if under the age of 18. The purpose of the drug testing policy is to help prevent student athletes from using drugs, to help protect students’ health and safety, to provide drug abusers with the appropriate assistance, and to preserve and maintain a positive learning environment. The issue was brought to the district’s attention a few years ago by high school coaches who felt drugs were becoming a problem. The main concern was that a student under the influence while involved in a sports activity was a safety issue. As part of the policy, each student involved in sports or other school activities, and their parents, will be required to sign a consent form before any testing can be done.
Selection for testing will be conducted using a lottery system, and the test will screen for seven families of drugs, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates and alcohol. All tests will be sent to an outside testing facility, and a positive result will not be forwarded to law enforcement, nor will the student’s record be affected. The policy outlines specific actions to be taken for first, second, and third offenses. Consequences include restriction from the student’s sport and drug education classes. Superintendent Mike Carey is satisfied with the outcome of the policy, and feels that “even if it makes it safer for just a few kids, it’s worth it.”
After multiple readings, postponements, and questions concerning test validity, the Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees has approved the much-talked about drug testing policy for Amador’s high schools. The approval is contingent upon the district obtaining funding to support the policy, which will require random drug testing for students involved in sports and other school activities. Also, parents will be able to request drug testing for their child, if under the age of 18. The purpose of the drug testing policy is to help prevent student athletes from using drugs, to help protect students’ health and safety, to provide drug abusers with the appropriate assistance, and to preserve and maintain a positive learning environment. The issue was brought to the district’s attention a few years ago by high school coaches who felt drugs were becoming a problem. The main concern was that a student under the influence while involved in a sports activity was a safety issue. As part of the policy, each student involved in sports or other school activities, and their parents, will be required to sign a consent form before any testing can be done. 
Selection for testing will be conducted using a lottery system, and the test will screen for seven families of drugs, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates and alcohol. All tests will be sent to an outside testing facility, and a positive result will not be forwarded to law enforcement, nor will the student’s record be affected. The policy outlines specific actions to be taken for first, second, and third offenses. Consequences include restriction from the student’s sport and drug education classes. Superintendent Mike Carey is satisfied with the outcome of the policy, and feels that “even if it makes it safer for just a few kids, it’s worth it.”
