Dear Parents and Guardians:
The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District recently enhanced its existing Random Drug Testing Policy by adding a random breathalyzer procedure. Random breathalyzer testing identifies those students who have consumed alcohol. The purpose of this procedure is to further underscore the District’s commitment to providing a safe environment for our students that is free of alcohol and drugs. This system of testing will be used at dances, proms, and other school activities as deemed appropriate by school administration. All other District substance abuse policies and procedures remain in effect and will be implemented in conjunction with the breathalyzer procedure as required by Board of Education policy and New Jersey statute.
At school functions, students will be randomly selected by ticket number for breathalyzer testing, which will be administered by trained staff members. A percentage of the students attending the event, predetermined by the administration, will be selected for testing. Testing will be done in a private area, using breathalyzer equipment that is calibrated and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Students whose test results are negative will receive a prize. Students whose results are positive will be detained until his or her parent can come to escort the student for further testing. All Board of Education Random Drug Testing Policies remain in effect, including the requirement after a positive result for a medical clearance to return to school, counseling, and a minimum two week removal of all co-curricular privileges including parking.
Students who refuse to take the test will be refused admission to the event, and his or her parents will be notified of the test refusal. Enforcement of all Board of Education Random Drug Testing policies and procedures will commence immediately.
Please be aware that any student who is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, whether or not he or she was selected randomly for testing, will be subject to all associated policies, procedures, and legal consequences under New Jersey reasonable suspicion statutes and Board of Education policy.
We want all of the students in our care to make beneficial choices regarding drugs and alcohol. Breathalyzer testing offers another layer of deterrence that will help keep our students safe.
For further clarification, please refer to the North Hunterdon-Voorhees District & Board of Education Policies and Regulations.
