14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Hopkins Co. may implement random drug testing in schools
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By Cory Stark - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email
HOPKINS CO., KY (WFIE) - Random drug tests for middle and high school students could soon be in place in Hopkins County.
It's a plan that's been in the works for years.
"I think it would be great," parent Delilah Morse said. "You do see right now many wrecks right now that are going on through children and it is because of drugs."
Morse has a child in middle school and one in high school.
She has no problem with random drug testing.
"It would help them out to where they wouldn't want to do the drugs," Morse said.
"If we can identify students in need, who have drug issues, then we can better hook them up with some type of help," Assistant Superintendent and former high school principal Susanne Wolford said.
Wolford said the district has been exploring random drug testing for years.
"I think there is a need for it, and speaking from my past experience I see a need for it," Wolford said. "Drugs are an issue and I think it is something, as a school board and as a school district, we need to take ownership in."
Students involved in any extra curricular activities, such as athletics would be tested, along with any student who drives to and from school.
Parents can also elect to have their child tested.
"I would have mine tested, 100 percent," Morse said.
"School districts that open this up for parents to voluntarily add their student's name to the list have had very good success," Wolford said.
Not everyone is on board with the new plan.
Some have concerns about cost and the effectiveness of a random drug testing policy, and under the new policy, teachers and other district staff members would also be tested.
The district expects to come up with a final plan by May 1 and have it implemented in time for next school year.
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