Lockney High School (Alex Driggars/Floyd County Record)
LOCKNEY – “Why are we doing the drug testing?” Superintendent Jim Baum asked the Lockney ISD board earlier this week. The rhetorical question was meant to get the board talking about the current policy’s pros and cons, and did the job. The board ultimately reaffirmed the current policy with some minor changes in an unanimous vote Monday night.
Current policy wasn’t clear for all on differentiation between a failed drug test and possession of controlled substance on campus. Under the revision the latter is now clearly stated as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
The revised policy also codifies the testing will be done on a randomized selection of ten percent of the student body participating in extracurricular events each month, roughly 17 students. If a student fails a test they will then be rescreened for the next three months, regardless of positivity.
The board also changed language on the types of secondary tests run on a sample to confirm the presence of drugs. The previously enacted policy used a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique that is no longer industry standard. It also stated samples that test positive for drugs will be kept by the lab for 14 days for review purposes, but parents can request tests be held for a longer period.
The largest impact for the students is the change of allowing anyone that tests positive to remain eligible in their activity for up to five days after an official appeal is filed with the district. A refusal to take the test continues to equal automatic ineligibility.
When Baum asked why they were testing, board member Chad Cook answered “We’re holding kids accountable.” Board president Mike Lass suggested counseling be incorporated into the process, but that discussion was tabled and will be incorporated into discussion on testing consequences.
The revised policy will take effect in January, with all extracurricular students taking part in testing. The board agreed to review the policy again at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
