RANDOM DRUG TESTING BK implements new procedure for 2020-2021 Abigail Parker | Copy Editor
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ishop Kenny High School has begun randomly drug testing students this school year. Along with The Bolles School and Episcopal School of Jacksonville, BK announced in October 2019 that it would expand its drug testing policies from testing based on suspicion to randomized drug tests as well. Dean of Students Laurie Wray stated that in years past, the school had only drug tested based on reasonable suspicion. Now, however, the school has purchased a program that randomly selects students to be tested based on student numbers. Any student could possibly be tested at any time in the school year. There are multiple types of alcohol and drug tests that the school could make students take. The main test is a 14-panel saliva based test that searches for alcohol and drugs such as marijuana, opiates, cocaine and amphetamine. The second test, which is also saliva based, is used to test for nicotine use. Wray noted that breathalyzers are also available
The 14 panel drug test is used to look for alcohol and various drugs such as opiates, cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines.
when reasonable suspicions arise and will still be used at school functions. The deans of students and the school nurse will administer the various tests. If a student tests positive, the school will discipline the student by putting him or her on probation. The student’s parents will be notified so that the student can get help. The school has a substance
abuse program to combat student drug use on and off campus. A student might be subject to a substance abuse evaluation given by an authorized professional if he or she tests positive for drugs or alcohol. If the student chooses not to undergo counseling, he or she could be asked to withdraw from the school. “We felt very strongly that [the tests] would serve as a
tool for our students to make good choices in regards to drugs and alcohol,” Wray said. BK will continue random searches, including having the drug dogs on campus, to ensure that students on campus are not exposed to illegal substances, according to Wray.
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