“We know we have a problem, and we don’t like it, but we want to do it right the first time, and not be sitting here going, ‘Why didn’t we do this?’” said Alliance Public Schools Board President Tim Kollars.
On Monday evening, the Alliance School Board discussed the possibility of implementing a drug testing program at Alliance Middle School and Alliance High School, ultimately delaying the decision until their next meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker explained that the Wellness Committee approached him prior to the meeting to ask to be placed on the agenda.
“The Wellness Committee came to me about a week and a half ago to tell me they were ready for the board agenda for a drug testing program they want to implement,” said Unzicker.
Unzicker said he had the school’s attorney review the program, noting that the attorney recommended not including dances in the activities listed.
“I’m not against the drug testing program,” Unzicker said. “I just wish we had a little bit longer, or I had more knowledge of what was going on so we could have done a little more with the public so they don’t feel this was being sprung on them.”
Amanda Clarke, Chairperson of the Wellness Committee, explained that the program would run through Western Pathology Consultants Incorporated, out of Scottsbluff, which currently aids other Panhandle schools with drug testing policies. She emphasized that the tests would be completely randomized, with each student being numbered, and only the person conducting the test and WPCI knowing who is being tested. The tests would take place at random times throughout the school week.
The program would cost $20 per test, with Box Butte General Hospital offering to cover some of the costs of the tests. Lori Mazanec, CEO of BBGH, explained that if the tests need to be obtained through WPCI, BBGH would cover up to $2,500 to support the program.
School Board Member Edison Red Nest III asked whether the tests would account for alcohol use, and Clarke responded that the test covers commonly used drugs and abused medications, but not alcohol, though they could test for alcohol use for an increased cost.
Coach and Teacher Angie Hiemstra said that they have noticed an increase in possible drug use, and that a program like this would offer help to those in need.
“We have really gotten serious about this because we have seen an increase in our kids seeming under the influence,” said Hiemstra. “We do our best to try to catch it, more from a concern that they’re mental health issues, their inability to deal with everyday problems, and things like that. We’re not here to just catch them doing bad things. We’ve implemented the counseling part of it to help them.
“We want to catch them now so that when they graduate and go out, we hopefully give them coping skills and ways to deal with their problems,” Hiemstra said. “This isn’t just a, ‘Catch them being bad.’ This is ‘how can we help our students be successful and cure these problems they might have’.”
Activities Director Anita James said the current focus of the program is extracurricular activities, though it could expand to the regular student body as well.
“We realize we have a problem,” said James. “We’re ready to face consequences, even if it means we have to cancel games. Our kids’ health is more important right now and trying to get that under control.”
Kollars indicated he supported the program, but he would not be willing to vote on it as it was presented last minute, opting to delay the decision to review it and receive feedback.
“Overall, I’m in favor of drug testing, but I hate getting something on a Friday and voting on it on Monday,” Kollars said. “I’d like to spend a little more time on it before we vote on it. I think we can implement it anytime we decide to. Personally, I’d like to drug test the whole student body, but Troy says I can’t. I’d just like to spend a little more time on it.”
Red Nest noted that he would like to see alcohol testing added to the regimen, noting that Alliance has a major alcohol problem. He noted a type of test for alcohol that tests for the breakdown of alcohol in the body, and suggested looking into the availability of that test.
Board Member Josh Freiberger made a motion to wait on a decision until the September meeting and Board Member Dave Rischling seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion, and Unzicker said he would work with the Wellness Committee to set up a forum to engage with the public.