UTICA — The North Fork Board of Education, at its October meeting, approved bringing back drug testing of all students who are involved in any extra-curricular activity or those who drive vehicles on school grounds. The program is planned to begin at the start of the winter athletic season, around the beginning of December 2012.
The district will be following the policy that was established in 2003, which states:
“The board realizes that a student’s participation in the district’s school sponsored extra-curricular program and student drivers, who use illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco, pose a threat to their own health and safety, as well as to that of other students.
“The board also recognizes that the use of alcohol and illicit drugs by students is a national problem and, with the support from the U.S. Supreme Court, the North Fork Local School District will put a program of deterrence and intervention into effect as a pro-active approach to a truly safe and drug-free school.”
The purpose of this program is to provide for the health and safety of all students; undermine the effects of peer pressure; encourage students to participate in drug treatment; and to prevent the impact drugs and alcohol has on the learning environment.
The drug testing program will be based on a random draw of students who are involved in extra-curricular activities or drives a vehicle on school property. The tests will be done at periodic times, so that each student will have a fair and equitable chance of being chosen each time selections are required.
More information will be coming to parents through emails, coaches and parent advisories.
