Drug Testing Program for Athletes

Currently, PVUSD has a drug testing prevention program for high school athletes. Before a student is eligible to try out for a team, he/she must agree to submit to random testing for the use of certain drugs. The random tests are conducted one to four times a month, with up to 25% of athletes being tested each season.

Only the school principal knows the results of all drug tests. If test results are positive, the principal calls the parents of the student involved. A positive test does not lead to disciplinary action or involvement with law enforcement.

Numbers for the 2003-2004 school year:

• 40% to 50% of high school students were involved in athletics.
• 20 students from each high school each month were randomly tested for drug use.
• Five athletes tested positive. Three of the students were using drugs prescribed to them legally by their doctors. One test detected alcohol in the student's system and one student had used an illegal drug.
• Cost $21,000 per year to district paid out of prevention funds.