Aliquippa schools are in the early stages of a new student drug testing policy, aimed at safety rather than athletics.
Asked about the reasoning behind the district’s new drug testing policy, Superintendent Dr. Phillip Woods tells KDKA Radio the program for student athletes is focused on support and prevention.
“Over the last few years, there’s been some discussion and some concerns about students and student-athletes experimenting with recreational substances even including vaping,” said Dr. Woods.
Woods also addressed social media criticism, saying the policy is about student well-being, not winning games.
“I feel like educating and providing this support and providing this deterrent to the children is more important than winning an athletic event,” said Dr. Woods.
Dr. Woods says everyone has seen an increase in vaping and in lower-level drug substance experimentation.
He encourages families and residents with concerns to attend board meetings held the second and third Wednesday of each month.
The drug testing would apply to grades 7-12 with consent and pre-season testing required before participating in a sport.
Students could also be tested if there is reasonable suspicion and/or could be done at random.
Students that refuse to test would not be able to participate in sports with the focus on intervention and education, not punishment.
Superintendent says focus is on awareness, not punishment
