Floresville ISD debates random drug testing for middle, high school extracurriculars

Floresville Independent School District students who participate in extracurricular activities or park on campus could soon face random drug testing under a proposed policy intended to curb peer pressure.

The district, which serves some 4,000 students in and around the Wilson County seat, outlined the idea at two recent community forums amid considerable online debate in social media forums, offering it as a prevention measure to discourage illegal drug use. Trustees are set to vote on it Wednesday.

If approved, the policy would apply to any student in grades seven through 12 who participates in contests, University Interscholastic League competitions, athletics or other extracurricular activities, or who drive to school.

The plan calls for a minimum of 25 students to be pulled from class at least twice per semester to take a surprise drug test, using a third-party administrator that would select them using a scientifically random method, according to the community presentation.

“The district continuously looks for preventive ways to discourage students from experimenting with or using drugs,” Assistant Superintendent Michael Schroller said in a prepared statement the district provided while declining an interview request. 

The testing entity would be on campus in a private area to facilitate the test, a urinalysis that would screen for amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, marijuana, MDMA, opioids and oxycodone.

The goal is to “deter the effects of peer pressure by providing a legitimate reason for students to refuse to use illegal drugs” and to “focus on prevention counseling and support services” rather than punitive measures, the presentation said.

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A positive test result would be disclosed only to the student, the student’s parent and designated school officials, who would then schedule a conference to determine a response. Refusal to provide a sample or noncompliance with the testing procedures would be considered a positive test result.

The first positive test would trigger a mandatory 15-day suspension from all extracurricular activities, scrimmages and competitions. The second and third offenses would extend the suspension to 30 or 90 days, respectively. A fourth would remove students from all extracurricular and UIL-sponsored activities for the remainder of their secondary school career.

Drug test results would not affect a student academically or be maintained with their academic record. The results would “be destroyed when the student graduates or transfers to another district” and would not be disclosed to criminal or juvenile authorities “except as required by law,” according to a set of guidelines provided to the San Antonio Express-News. 

A student who tests positive for drugs would have to complete mandatory substance abuse counseling, which could be done through the district or a private, licensed counselor at the student’s expense, before returning to competitive programs. Parents could appeal a positive test result and request a retest of the original sample.

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Floresville ISD estimates that it would cost about $3,400 to test 100 students per year. Some on social media argued that the money should be used to support classrooms and instruction instead. Others expressed support for the measure and said it should be implemented in school systems across Texas to fight juvenile drug use. 

Christy Wood’s son is heading into eighth grade and is active in Floresville Middle School’s band program, putting him in the pool of students eligible for testing.

“My child is in all advanced classes, has never had a grade lower than an A his entire life and has never been in any kind of trouble, so to drug test him because he’s in band is disgusting to me,” Wood said.

Randomly testing any kid seems invasive, Wood said, especially if it doesn’t require parental consent.

Floresville ISD said in its presentation that parents have already given written consent for random drug testing by signing the student handbook, which is required for their children to participate in extracurricular activities or obtain a parking permit.

Wood said she has lived in Floresville for 11 years and that her three older sons have graduated from the district. There might be a bit of a drug issue, but it’s nowhere near as severe as in other nearby areas, she said.

“It’s something they need to put a lot of thought into,” Wood said. “If they do it, I might consider taking my son elsewhere.”

The district said its proposal was inspired by similar programs in the area, including East Central ISD, which has had a drug testing program in place since 2006.

“Many parents have expressed appreciation for the initiative, as it adds an extra layer of accountability and encourages healthier choices among students,” East Central spokesperson Brandon Oliver said in an email. “Students have generally responded well, understanding that the program aims to promote their well-being and safety.”

Every month, East Central ISD randomly tests three high school students per gender and grade level who participate in school-sponsored programs or have a parking permit. Oliver said the program has contributed to a safer school environment and fostered open discussions about making healthy choices.