Student drug testing? Some Central Texas districts do, some don’t

Students across several Central Texas school districts will have to take a drug test before they are allowed to take part in any extracurricular activities—including football, theater and everything in between.

“The school district has the responsibility to help that child develop into a young man or woman,” said Killeen ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Eric Penrod.

School districts, such as Killeen ISD, say random drug testing is part of an effort to teach students about the dangers of drugs and if necessary getting them help they may need.

“I would love to say every household is perfect. But we know that in any house, doesn’t matter race, economic situation, there is variables there that the kid doesn’t have the support they need,” Penrod said.

From grades 7 through 12, random drug tests happens.

Along with Killeen, Belton, Temple and Midway school districts give random drug tests.

Waco ISD does not give random drug test.

Copperas Cove ISD says a new student handbook will be approved later this month.

If you want to park on campus in Midway ISD, you will also be tested.

So what happens if a student gets caught?

1st offense: Two-week suspension from extracurricular activity

2nd offense: 30-day suspension from extracurricular activity

3rd offense: One-year suspension from extracurricular activity

Each includes mandatory testing throughout school year and counseling

1st offense: 30-day suspension from extracurricular activity

2nd offense: Suspended remainder of year from extracurricular activity

3rd offense: Suspended for remainder of enrollment in district from activity

Each includes mandatory testing throughout school year and counseling

For Killeen ISD, there are also consequences for a positive result.

“There is a period of time where that student will be held out of any activity. But they will still be able to participate with the team, go to practices. Then you also have the piece, which is probably the most important, which is getting that person help,” Penrod said.

Getting help and deterring drug use, officials say, is part of helping students make smart decisions.

“If we can one, two kids say ‘I don’t need to do that,’ that’s what is beneficial to us. But if they do come up hot, then at that point we’re going to try to support the student as much as possible,” Penrod added.

Districts say that the results are kept private between the student and parent or guardian.

*Information on consequences in Midway ISD were not immediately available.