Rose Hill school board forms committee on student drug testing
Rose Hill Public Schools' Board of Education is forming a committee to gather information and hear feedback from the community on whether to implement drug testing in its schools.
The district tossed around the idea at previous meetings, but decided to make a step forward at its Monday meeting.
Maize, Derby and El Dorado are among other local districts that have approved drug testing.
"There are more districts not doing it than are, by far. There are also several districts, when we called around to see if they have those kinds of policies, indicated they're looking at it," said Rose Hill Superintendent Randal Chickadonz. "If things that other districts are doing, if we can replicate those to be beneficial for our kids, then we want to do that, as well."
Two community members spoke in favor of a drug testing policy at the meeting. Greg Rodman, a Rose Hill graduate, said there is a drug problem in the city that drug testing could help curb.
"I'm 110 percent for it," Rodman said. "It's an educational piece. It's a deterrent piece.
"There is not anything negative about it."
Von Robinson also spoke in support of a drug testing policy. She said she lost a family member to drug use, and a test could help lead to recovery for someone.
While no specific direction has been taken by Rose Hill, other districts test students in extracurricular activities. Athletics are typically included, and some also include clubs or students who use district parking. Punishments only effect extracurricular activities, and not academics.
Chickadonz said Rose Hill school resource officers have not reported any increase in drug use. Rose Hill Board Member Jack Carr cited a recent survey that showed parental and staff concern of a community drug problem as a reason to form a committee.
"I think we have a problem," Carr said. "I think we've had a problem for years."
The seven-person committee will consist of two community members, one student, one teacher, one administrator, one BOE member and one member of the Rose Hill Police Department.
Rodman volunteered for the committee at the meeting. A student in the crowd also volunteered. BOE Member Patricia Madden-Beran was appointed to chair the committee.
The committee will offer a report to the BOE at its Nov. 12 meeting. The school board is encouraging feedback from residents.
"We need to hear from folks, whether pro or con," Carr said.
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