School board approves new voluntary drug testing program
Results of new voluntary drug testing program are only available to parents
–The Paso Robles Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously decided at their Tuesday night meeting to approve a new, voluntary drug testing program for grades 6-12.
The program is a prevention tool available for all grade 6-12 students and their parents. The objective of this program is to, “support families and students by providing support for students to resist peer pressure and drug use.”
Participating students who are randomly selected will be asked to provide a urine sample following standard medical protocols. The screening will include a 12 panel test which will indicate both the use of illegal drugs and/or prescription drugs. The screening will also include a review for steroid use.
The program is confidential and only parents will receive the results of the random testing. Testing will occur quarterly, and there is no cost to parents or students to participate.
In addition, if a parent requests school help following a positive test result (or a student refusal to be tested), there are community agencies that have been contracted by the school to provide confidential support.
Any parent who requests help will be provided support and the students will not be removed from any athletic or other school activity based on their request.
A form will be sent out after winter break that will allow parents and students to opt in to the program.
