Hernando school district considers drug testing students, By: Isabel Mascarenas
April 5, 2006
Brooksville, Florida - Students in Hernando County may soon have another reason to stay off drugs.
And if they don't, they could lose the right to play sports and drive to school. The school board is revisiting a drug testing program of some 7th to 12th graders during a workshop on Tuesday. So far this school year, the district has had 345 drug and alcohol reports.
Of those, 102 were kids who were drunk or high while they were driving to school or in the parking lot.
Three Central High School seniors who are athletes support the drug testing program.
Spencer Paulsen, Student Athlete:
“It's a growing problem before you know it not control it."
Students say some classmates who use like to brag.
Spencer Paulsen, Student Athlete:
““On Monday hear all the partying over the weekend all the drugs they did...do from the basic to everything in between cocaine, weed, pills everything."
Nikki Weaver, Student Athlete:
“It's more common than you think. I know 2 or 3 in two classes on steroids... Weightlifters, baseball players."
These athletes say they don't mind being targeted.
The program would require a one time only drug test of recreational drugs during an athlete's physical. Students with driving privileges to school would be tested if they are suspected of using drugs.
Gary Owen, Student Athlete:
“By keeping athletes from using drugs serve as an example to the rest of the kids."
Nikki Weaver, Student Athlete:
“ Once one person known for sports or think they're a good kid gets caught...you'll think could of been me why risk it."
The proposed program would provide a 6 hour drug education class for 7th through 12th graders. These students would be tested for drugs, including steroids, at any time if he or she shows signs of abuse. Students testing positive would receive counseling and further intervention if needed. The Hillsborough would fund the program using grant money.
Students caught using drugs would get counseling but after three positive tests...they would lose their privileges to play a sport or drive to school for one year.
