Teachers, students weigh in on drug testing policy

Cody High School Equus

Some CHS students will find themselves the subject of random drug testing, based on the School Board’s action during the summer. While not all students will be subject to testing, the new policy comes in response to various concerns and those voiced by former Resource Officer Ms. Mel Kress, who said she began to notice a problem with methamphetamine, alcohol and prescription painkillers going on within Cody High School.

“About a year and a half ago, I started hearing talk from other students, student athletes and parents about the use of drugs among our student athletes,” Kress said. “These were not only students who came directly to me, but also the talk in the hallways.”

Deciding to take action, Kress said she reviewed other schools’ drug policies, came up with her own and then presented it to the School Board. After a few changes, the policy was accepted on July 23.

However, the policy is not without controversy and at least one high school teacher doesn’t agree with it.

“I think it is an invasive policy that fails to achieve its purpose, especially when you randomly test a student even if they’ve done nothing to provoke suspicion,” English teacher Mr. Mike Riley said. “We’re basically forcing high school students to prove their innocence absent any guilt.”

According to the CHS Activities Handbook, if a student tests positive for drugs or alcohol the first time, he or she will miss 20 percent of the regular season and must be counseled by the resource counselor at least three times, with a parent or guardian attending the first meeting. For a second offense, they would miss 50 percent of their season and must be counseled another three sessions, with a parent or guardian again attending the first meeting. For the third offense, they are out of all activities for the remaining time they are in school, but they may also appeal for reinstatement after a year.

Kress says the policy is not designed as a “gotcha” mechanism.

“Implementing this policy, to me, was just another way to help students find their way out of a tough situation if presented by peer pressure to use drugs,” Kress said. “Which is why the policy talks about counseling and things of that nature, not calling law enforcement or that your future could be ruined. That is not the intended purpose of the policy.”

Choir director Mr. Larry Munari said he believes the policy puts him at an awkward position with his students.

“I think all students need to get the message that they should be clean,” Munari said. “It almost puts me in a position to say if you’re applying for a part of my class that’s ungraded, it doesn’t matter if you’re breaking the law or not. I don’t want to tell kids it’s OK to break the law.”

Riley also said he is concerned about the cost, due to the district having just cut positions.

“When we are in a place where we are cutting teachers and aides and programs and fundings, it doesn’t seem to me a good place to put our money,” Riley said. “The money could be better spent in education [of drug use].”

Several CHS students have said the policy will be good for the school.

“I think that the majority of our athletes are experimenting with illegal substances and that this policy will act as a deterrent,” senior cross country skier Kelly Shelton said.

Though some believe the testing of only students in activities is unfair, current resource officer John Harris says the students tested will provide a model for other students.

“I think it’s safe to say that students that participate in extracurricular activities are the majority of our student leaders,” Harris said. “This policy provides those students with an opportunity to be positive role models for others.”

Senior Maggie Sinner said she agrees with the idea of those who are tested being role models.

“This is a good way to start because athletes are a large portion of our student body and are the ones who often represent our school to the rest of the town,” Sinner said. “It’s a choice and a privilege to be able to play sports and if they don’t want to be tested, they don’t have to play.”

Activities director Mr. Tony Hult said that although there is controversy, the majority of the community approves of the policy.

“Of course within a community there will be controversy, but when you think of how many people have called and said their views, it is a small minority,” Hult said. “Do we have a drug and alcohol problem within [CHS]? I would say yes, just like we do in this community or schools all across the country. We’re hoping this is one thing we can get better at.”

Riley said he is most concerned for the relationship between students and educators.

“I think that one of the biggest impacts we’re going to have is a clear erosion of the trust that teachers have with students,” Riley said. “What it will tend to do is alienate those students from teachers who really need to have a trusting relationship in teachers and school officials.”

Hult said the details for testing have not yet been decided upon, but forms were sent home this week for parent approval. If student-athletes and their parents do not sign the form, the student-athlete may not compete.