It was earlier this year that parents began the push for drug testing at Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District, but it was just Monday night that it appeared on the school board agenda.
Board members basically agreed to pursue the idea, but Superintendent Pamela Lechler says the process won't happen overnight.
If adopted, a select group of students would be randomly selected by the drug testing company, with parental consent.
Lechler said, "Anyone that plays any extracurricular event and anyone that would drive a car on campus, parents could opt their kids in if they are not in any of these categories."
Football mom Lindsey Kiker admits it's a controversial idea, but one that can save lives. She said, "Parents might not view it well if their child is the one caught, but I don't know, I think you have to help kids early on."
Hamshire-Fannett dad B.J. Gobert agrees, saying, "Kids don't need to be into drugs."
Lechler says the proposal is still in its infancy stage, still many questions, including the cost. But Lechler said, "I don't want that to be the deciding point, if the board feels we need to move forward with this, we'll find the money to make sure the kids are safe."
Lechler said that it will probably be next school year before the drug testing is enacted.
