Students could be randomly drug tested at West Clark Community Schools

SELLERSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- Random drug testing is now underway as part of a new policy in West Clark Community Schools.

A couple dozen high schoolers already went through one round of testing. The district now joins surrounding school districts in southern Indiana who already have a similar policy.

"I thought they were going to be picking out people they knew were doing it and picking them out solely to get them out or in trouble," one student said.

But district leaders said it's a random number system. However, any high school student involved in extracurriculars like sports, clubs, co-curriculars like band, and even student drivers are eligible.

"Whether it be senior prom, a senior trip, it could be even driving to school ... parking in the parking lot is considered a privilege," Assistant Superintendent Thomas Brillhart said.

The new policy went into effect at the start of the school year, but its results are confidential.

"The school board, the committee, myself, we all felt it was necessary to give kids an opportunity and a reason to say no," Brillhart said.

Drug tests will happen quarterly, and one round of testing is already in the books. The pool is based on student body size, so 15 students get tested at Silver Creek, 10 at Henryville and five at Borden.

If a student does test positive, athletes will lose a third of their season. Other activities, including driving, is a 45-day suspension.

"If a student did test positive, legally it cannot adhere any negative consequences to their grades," Brillhart said. "It can't even go in their student file."