School district plans athlete drug testing in fall

CHILLICOTHE – The Chillicothe Board of Education could take action next month on a proposal that would require student-athletes to be subject to random drug testing beginning this fall.

The five-year pilot program was unveiled Monday by Chillicothe High School Principal Jeff Fisher, who said the policy was brought forward after recognizing that the community, in addition to the state and the country, has what he described as "a pervasive drug and alcohol issue, especially in the youth area of high school."

Under the proposal, if students tested positive for an illicit substance after taking a urine test, they would face a minimum 20 percent loss of an athletic season, while a second offense would result in a 50 percent loss in their season. Fisher said a third positive result would result in a six-month suspension from athletic activities.

The draft policy also indicates that eligible students also would be tested randomly as often as biweekly anytime during the school year. A positive test would be considered for any student who refuses to submit to urine drug testing, which might check for a variety of drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and other substances.

Fisher added that, in addition to education, the district's goal is to help student-athletes make good life decisions.

"We want to make sure at Chillicothe High School and the Chillicothe school district that we have policies in place to deter our student-athletes and our students as a whole, our student body, from making inappropriate decisions," he said.

Students also can enter into a drug rehabilitation program either through the district or an outside entity if they test positive for a substance — though Fisher said that, from a consequence standpoint, "it's important for us not to lay the hammer down on these kids and take away something that they're passionate about and they love."

"We don't want to lose those opportunities, and we don't want a zero-tolerance policy where we just turn our backs on the kids we're supposed to be serving," Fisher said. "So each of these policies — whether it's the first, second or third offense — puts the kids in a place to be held accountable but also requires them to seek help for the poor decisions they're making and, in the end, if they do the things they're supposed to be doing, let them back on the athletic field and back in school and in the community."

Fisher said he hopes community partners will be able to help the district so it won't incur any initial expenses, and he noted that officials are looking at obtaining grants as well.

If the policy is adopted, the district plans to review it with all student-athletes before approaching parents to see whether they have any concerns.