Sedalia students will not be drug tested. The Board of Education voted against drug testing students involved in extracurricular and co-curricular activities 4-2 Monday night. Board members Jim Waldo and Jeffrey Sharp voted for testing. "I think it's a valid concept that could be implemented and I think it would positively impact our students," Dr. Sharp said. "I think it would lead to a reduction of drug use in our student population." Mr. Waldo said the school district has programs to educate students about the perils of drug use but lacks a deterrent. He said drug testing could be that deterrent. [continues 137 words]
The Sedalia school board will not place a school construction referendum on the November ballot. The board agreed Monday it needs more time to host town hall meetings on the issue and develop alternative plans should another referendum fail. Voters on June 6 rejected a 69-cent tax increase to pay for a $26.5 million building project, including $17.9 million for a new high school. Board member Jeffrey Sharp said the board may need to consider lowering the tax increase request and looking at "a better piece of land" because of public criticism of the site south of town along U.S. 65. [continues 385 words]
The Sedalia school board will discuss a proposed student drug testing policy and an attorney's opinion of the legal risks Monday. The Board of Education put off its decision July 10 on randomly drug testing students involved in extracurricular activities. Board members wanted a legal opinion and a draft policy. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday at Smith-Cotton High School and is open to the public. The district surveyed 162 Smith-Cotton High School students in May about drug use at the school. Fifty-five percent of the students favored drug testing only student athletes. [continues 403 words]
