Drug Testing Proposal Considered at South Harrison

BETHANY, MO — A proposed drug-testing program for students in grades 7-12 is being considered by the South Harrison R-2 Board of Education. The district’s Random Drug Testing Task Force proposes that random testing of students involved in extracurricular sports and activities, as well as those students driving cars to school. Parents or guardians may also ask that their students be placed in the pool. The seven-member committee has been reviewing policies from other school districts in formulating a plan for South Harrison. The district plans to hold a public forum before implementing random tests. The U.S. Supreme Court recently handed down a decision that random drug testing of students participating in all extra-curricular activities was reasonable under the 4th Amendment. Since that time, several school districts have approved random drug testing programs including Maryville, Albany and Brookfield.