Central Illinois High School Approves Random Drug Testing

A central Illinois high school's new policy will require students in extracurricular activities to consent to random drug testing.

The (Decatur) Herald & Review reports Mount Zion's school board approved the policy this month. It says students who participate in sports, clubs, dances and graduation or who drive or park at the school have to sign a consent form by Sept. 1 or within 10 days of enrolling.

Students will be randomly selected for urinalysis tests to detect alcohol or marijuana, among other drugs. The testing would be conducted by clinical specialists.

Assistant Principal Mike Mose says it'll cost between $25 and $50 per test, but officials don't anticipate increasing fees.

The total cost will be determined after calculating how many of the roughly 750 students will be tested.