Board okays funds for drug testing program
Local funding will be used to continue random drug testing in the Adair County school district.
The program, which was supported by a grant for the past three years, will be funded by the school district now that the grant has expired.
Brenda Mann, assistant superintendent of the schools, spoke to the school board during its regular monthly meeting about the program being a preventative measure for the students.
“Having the program has helped students be able to say no to drugs,” Mann said. “Peer pressure is pretty strong in middle school and high school,” Mann suggested having eight different testing dates throughout the year testing, 60 students at a time. The yearly cost would equal $10,560.
In the 2009-2010 school year 605 students were enrolled in the program.
Last year 432 tests were administered and tests came out positive on two students from the high school on six different occasions for marijuana.
The board voted in favor of continuing the program, 4-1.
Board member Greg Willis voted against funding the program.
OTHER BUSINESS
• The high school gym floor will be under construction for the next month. Areas of the gym floor were damaged when a sprinkler system was set off earlier in the year. While the gym is under construction physical education classes will take place elsewhere. They hope to have it reopen by the end of August.
• The school district will host a surplus property auction on Wednesday, July 28 at the Adair County School District Bus Garage. More information will be announced at a later date.
• The board approved an out of state trip for the baseball team to go to Florida during spring break. Coach Ryan McQueary said they were just asking for permission to go, not to be funded.
• The board considered a student transfer request. Superintendent Darrell Treece did not recommend the board approve the transfer.
“Its not the end of the world to have a new environment to learn in,” said Mike Harris, board member.
• The board considered a board retreat for Thursday, Aug. 12 before its regular board meeting. More information on the retreat will be announced at a later date.
The next board meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in the board conference room.
By Allison Hollon
allison@accvonline.com
