Hall to begin random drug testing

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SPRING VALLEY — Hall High School Board members unanimously approved beginning a mandatory random drug testing program at its meeting Wednesday.

Now, the question is, just who will be tested.

Superintendent Mike Struna presented his thoughts on a mandatory random drug testing program, based on requests from the board during interviews before he was hired in July.

Struna said he had a good experience with a random drug policy while superintendent at Putnam County, and he presented the board with a five-step plan for implementing the plan.

Hall had last looked at implementing a random drug testing policy in 2001, but Principal Patti Lunn said the board at that time unanimously decided not to proceed.

Struna said the process should begin with a meeting between him, Lunn and Hall Athletic Director Gary Vicini to discuss what happened back in 2001 and what the issues were.

Board member Betsy Resetich asked who would be tested.

“There’s a spectrum of ways you can go with this,” Struna said.

Struna said some districts test students involved in extracurricular activities, such as any student athlete who has signed a training code.

“Athletes, cheerleaders and dance squad members, you can start with that,” he said.

Struna said some schools have included students who drive to school, while others have added students who work with power tools.

“The more students you add, the more you’re stretching the policy,” he said.

Struna said the Supreme Court has ruled that students have a right not to be searched unreasonably, but if a school district can establish that there are safety issues, then the search is allowed.

“The law dictates that you can’t do everyone,” Struna said. “But when a student signs a training code and goes out for a sport, a sport is a privilege, and therefore they give up some rights to be part of that.”

Board members asked about students in organizations like the National Honor Society or Spanish Club.

“You’re kind of stretching the law on that if you include students who are involved in clubs,” Struna said.

Board member Sue Nolasco questioned the purpose of the policy.

“I really didn’t think this was a disciplinary policy as much as it is to detect a problem and get the person help,” she said.

Struna said the district could handle it either way.

“By law, there cannot be a school punishment; there cannot be a detention,” Struna said.

Struna said the board will need to determine who will be tested, how often the tests will be done, and when the tests will be performed.

The cost of the program will depend on the answers to those questions, as well as what type of test. Most schools run a urinalysis, which is less expensive than a hair sample. Struna said that last year, a urinalysis cost $12.50.

Struna said 80 percent of the 58 surveys parents returned to the school indicated a strong support for the policy.

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