Drug testing for students proposed

Lisa Eubanks spoke with the board of education on behalf of the Marion County Heartland Safe Community Coalition about forming a committee to look at drug intervention programs for youth.

Board chairwoman Sr. Kay Carlew said she would like board members and Donald Smith to review the information provided about drug intervention. Smith has been selected to succeed Roger Marcum as the next superintendent of Marion County schools.

Part of the discussion included the possibility of drug testing for students, particularly those involved in extracurricular activities.

Marcum told the board to keep in mind that drug testing is controversial. Referring to a report presented to the board members, he encouraged them to be mindful of the steps needed to protect against litigation if drug testing is implemented.