Random Alcohol and Drug Testing
Our high schools conduct random alcohol and drug testing coordinated by the Assistant Principal or a designee.
Who is Tested?
Students involved in athletics, extracurricular activities not required for graduation, volunteers for the testing program, or those with an on-campus parking permit are eligible for testing.
Eligibility begins once a consent form is submitted. For athletes, this is by their first practice; for extracurriculars, by their second meeting; and for parking permits, before their first day of parking. Once eligible, students remain in the testing pool for the rest of the school year, regardless of their current participation or previous testing. If a student stops participating in an eligible activity or parking, they can submit an “Activity Drop Form,” signed by both the student and a parent, to be removed from the testing pool.
The district tests no more than 20% of the eligible students annually.
What Substances are Tested For?
We test for substances including, but not limited to: alcohol, marijuana (THC), opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, anabolic steroids, PCP, MDMA (Ecstasy), and any other controlled substances as defined by law.
How Students are Selected
A confidential schedule ensures random testing only on school days. Students are selected randomly by a computer program, assigned a number, and the Testing Coordinator receives a list of numbers to be tested. The Assistant Principal or designee privately notifies selected students and escorts them to a designated, private testing site at their school. If a selected student is absent, an alternate is chosen. All student names and personal information remain confidential.
Administering the Test
Testing is conducted by the school physician, school nurse, or an approved outside agency. All procedures prioritize student privacy and confidentiality. Test results are confidential health records and will not be used to initiate criminal charges or shared with law enforcement, except when legally compelled.
Information sent to outside agencies for testing will not include personally identifiable student information. The outside agency collects samples (saliva, urine, and/or breath) and sends them to a licensed lab for testing. An initial on-site test may be conducted first. Students complete a form with an identification number, which is the only way lab personnel identify specimens. Only designated school staff know the assigned number for each student.
Specimens are kept for at least 90 days for retesting requests. Students unable to provide a sample will be re-called for testing. Any attempt to tamper with the sample will result in a positive test. All efforts are made to minimize class disruption and maintain privacy. Urine tests are done in a closed-door restroom without direct observation.
Notification and Results
Students in eligible programs must complete a consent form. Parents of selected students are notified by phone or message on the day of testing.
If a test is positive, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) will contact the student’s parents for a consultation to discuss the result’s legitimacy and if a legal prescription explains the substance. The MRO’s confirmed results are provided to the Superintendent or designee within 24 hours of this consultation.
Test results are kept in confidential files separate from other educational records. They are only shared with staff who need to know for program implementation or consequences. Individual test results are not shared with law enforcement unless legally required. The district maintains strict confidentiality, and records are only released to the student and/or parent/guardian, or if legally compelled, unless written authorization is provided.
Consequences
Consequences occur for:
- A confirmed positive alcohol or drug test.
- Refusal to participate when selected.
- Tampering with the specimen collection process.
Students must complete the consent form to participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, or have an on-campus parking permit.
If a Random Alcohol or Drug Test is Positive:
- The Assistant Principal will contact parents to remove the student from school and arrange a mandatory medical examination.
- The student will be removed from athletics and/or extracurricular activities, and their parking permit will be revoked for a minimum of two weeks.
- The student must attend at least five sessions with the Student Assistant Counselor (SAC).
- The student must attend four out of five prevention/education sessions.
- Before returning to school, the student must be evaluated by a physician, who must provide a written report certifying that substance use no longer affects the student’s ability to participate in school.
- The student must provide a negative drug test before returning to athletics, extracurricular activities, or regaining parking privileges.
Appeal Procedure
A student or their parent(s) can request a retest of their specimen at their own expense at a district-approved laboratory. This request must be made within 48 hours of receiving the initial test results.
For further clarification, please refer to the North Hunterdon-Voorhees District & Board of Education Policies and Regulations.
