Tri-Creek considers drug testing policy for students

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Updated: February 28, 2012 8:18AM

LOWELL — Students participating in athletics, co-curricular activities and corporation-sponsored clubs may be subjected to drug testing next year.

Tri-Creek School Corp. board members Thursday during a work session began a dialogue on initiating a drug-screening policy for students.

Officials are in the process of reviewing and revising the school corporation’s policy and procedure manual in an effort to bring policies for all Tri-Creek schools in line with one another.

Patricia McCormack, athletic director, said she could support a drug-testing policy but said the policy should not just deal with athletics but all school sponsored activities.

McCormack said if the policy is directed at athletics only, it creates the appearance those are the only students with whom the corporation is concerned.

Board vice president Michelle Dumbski agreed.

“We should expect the same from all of our kids,” Dumbski said.

McCormack said Tri-Creek is behind the times getting on board with a drug-testing policy.

The school system is one of only three in the Duneland Athletic Conference that does not currently test students for illegal drug use.

Highland is in the process of implementing a testing program. Andrean High School does not have a drug-screening program.

While the percentage of offenders actually caught by the process is small, the deterrent effect of having a random screening policy in place sends an important message to students who value their sports, clubs and activities.

“I think a message does need to be sent,” Dumbski said.

McCormack will compile data on drug policies and implementation costs for officials to consider further.

Superintendent Debra Howe said any policy would not take effect until this fall.