Claymont adopts revised student drug testing policy
DENNISON (WJER) (Oct. 18, 2024) – Drug and alcohol testing is about to begin for Claymont’s student athletes.
The district is enacting a revised version of a 2018 policy requiring random screenings to participate in sports and other extracurriculars. School board member Lois Grandison expressed her support on Monday evening before casting one of the three votes in favor.
“If you’re making a choice to vape or use drugs or alcohol, then you have to know there’s consequences to your choices.”
To continue participating after a positive test, the student must undergo a substance use assessment and complete whatever next steps the counselor deems necessary. Board President Michelle Wolf voted against enacting the policy, believing more follow-through was necessary.
“For me, the policy isn’t complete. You have the consent, the collection, the violations, the consequences, but we don’t have the in-between. What are we going to do to get these kids the help that they need?”
The program is for eligible students in grades 7-12 and others on an opt-in basis. Punishments range from missing the next event or contest to denial of participation for the remainder of the student’s high school career on the fifth offense unless they test negative three times over six months.