CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Kilgore I. S.D. Solicits Feedback for Drug Testing Policy

Kilgore I. S.D. Solicits Feedback for Drug Testing Policy

By Wilton Johnson

At the library, Pat Applewhite helps people find all kinds of information. But today she's informing herself.

"With the means to fight peer pressure and prevent harmful effects of drug use", she reads online. She's found Kilgore I.S.D.'s newly proposed drug testing policy and loves it.

"Students need a reason to say no," she offered.

The district posted its new policy online and wants to know what you think. It targets the 800-1000 students expected to sign-up for extracurricular activities next year.

At the beginning of the year they will be tested for everything from alcohol to Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, to opiates and steroids.

"It being that large of a program and impacting that many people we wanted to get input from constituents," said K.I.S.D.'s Asst. Superintendent Bobby Wheeley.

Penalties proposed are also up for comment. For a first time offense, the student will be suspended for 30 days from their activities. Three-hundred and sixty-five days for a second offense and suspended for the rest of their time at K.I.S.D. if tested positive a third time.

"Extracurriculars are not a right they're a privilege to get to participate in. We feel if you're gonna participate in these and have that privilege, then you've got to meet certain standards," said Wheeley.

Applewhite is all too familiar with drug testing. As a former drug test director herself, she's seen that giving kids a reason to say no is the best weapon in social situations.

"Knowing that they have to be drug tested anytime random drug testing then easier to say no under peer-pressure," said Applewhite.

Click here to view the proposed policy and leave a comment for KISD trustees.