Jones

WHEELING — Officials at Ohio County Schools want to know the community’s thoughts as they consider a plan to drug test Wheeling Park High School students participating in extra-curricular activities.

The district is looking to test students participating in “privilege-based” activities, according to Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones. This would include students participating not just in athletics, but also music, theater and speech interests, he said.

Jones hopes discussions about drug testing will result in parents having conversations with their children about opioid abuse. He said sometimes youths need “an excuse” that keeps them away from trying drugs.

“They can tell someone who is offering them drugs, ‘I know I’m going to be drug tested, and I really love this activity,” Jones said. “If they do make bad decisions, the test will show us that, and there will be an opportunity for more counseling.”

Students participating in Wheeling Park’s career and technical programs already agree to drug testing as part of a “drug-free workplace” simulation program.

Many Park students also participate in the Drug Free Clubs of America program.

The difference is participation in the club is voluntary, as students pay a fee and testing is done randomly, according to Jones.

Jones has posted on his personal Facebook page his thoughts on what a drug-testing policy for extra-curricular activities might look like, and he is looking for input from the community:

* All students in extracurricular activities and drivers would be tested, including students in fine arts extracurricular activities.

* Every student participating each in the fall, winter and spring seasons would be tested, and there would be additional random testing.

* Students testing positive would be subject to a second confirmation test.

* Wheeling Hospital would be the testing agent.

Just how many students might be tested, and the cost for the program have yet to be determined. But Jones estimates the price tag at about $20,000 per year.

Also still being discussed are the possible punishments for a student failing a drug test.

Jones said any proposal would be “heavy on education and counseling” for a student that fails a drug test, but a disciplinary component needs to be attached.

Counselors with Ohio County Schools would be called upon to work in-house with students, while more extreme cases might be referred to local youth agencies specializing in treatment.

Jones said input he has received so far has been equally distributed between those in favor of the testing, those opposed to testing and those wanting more information.

Many of the opposing comments have come from respected and knowledgeable individuals in the community, he said. They have told him money spent on counseling would better be spent on drug prevention and counseling programs.

“There also is the thought drug testing could lower the numbers of kids participating,” Jones said. “They may not want to be drug tested, and we don’t fewer kids to participate.

“Then there are people who believe drug testing is an invasion of privacy. These are all valid points.”

Jones plans to meet with his committee of coaches and administrators this week to complete a policy that will be presented to the board of education for approval.

A town hall or open meeting to discuss the policy also is likely to take place, he said.

Those interested in sending input about a drug testing policy to Jones should e-mail him at rajones@k12.wv.us, or call the board office at 304-242-0300.