Drug testing policy remains under review
By Sierra Henry
Published in News on August 7, 2018 5:50 AM
More questions than answers surfaced Monday during a special called meeting of the Wayne County Board of Education regarding a random drug testing policy.
The board, which first discussed the policy during its July 23 meeting, is considering a policy that could subject athletes as well as others involved in extracurricular activities or activities considered a privilege.
Board member Jennifer Strickland presented an update about the drug testing policy during the Monday meeting.
According to Strickland, the board's policy committee does not have concrete numbers for how much drug testing could cost or how the school system would pay for the tests.
"There might be some discussion later coming into -- would we include all students?" Strickland said.
"So, there is absolutely nothing decided on drug testing at this point."
Students who could be subject to the tests include those who participate in athletics, band, cheerleading and other privileges, such as having a parking pass.
"There is no doubt that this is not something the board is ready to move forward on at the next meeting," Strickland said. "This is going to be a process."
Raymond Smith, vice chairman of the board, also urged the board to question the policy, specifically why the schools need a drug testing policy, what the empirical data shows and what to do when a student tests positive.
"It's one thing to drug test somebody, but then what are you going to do?" Smith said. "There's a whole lot more to this than 'do we want a drug testing policy?'"
The board also heard a presentation by Tim Harrell, director of project operations for Wayne County Public Schools, about potentially renewing contracts with High Standard Cleaning, which currently services eight Wayne County schools. The board is considering extending High Standard Cleaning's services to all schools.
Harrell said that if the board votes to sign a contract with High Standard for all public schools in Wayne County, the company said they will consider offering employment to the custodians working for the public school system.
"Our goal is that not for anyone to lose their job, but it could be that someone is moved over to High Standard on their payroll ..." Harrell said. "This is a big decision, there's a lot of variables."
High Standard Cleaning, which is based in Goldsboro, is a contract-cleaning service. According to Harrell, the company does pay their custodial staffs a higher wage, but they do not offer benefits at this time. If the board wanted to, the company could include in the contract that the employees receive benefits.
The board voted to extend the contract with High Standard Cleaning for the current eight schools for one month so they can discuss and hear feedback from the public at the next board meeting.