By Staff Writer Shreya Narayan

Following 10 months of research, District 203 officials decided not to implement mandatory drug testing at Naperville North and Naperville Central High Schools.

At the Jan. 6  district board meeting, District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges stated he is not prepared to bring forth a recommendation to implement the drug testing policy.

According to Bob Ross, District 203’s superintendent of secondary education, “the school board recognizes they have a role to play with student and family decisions. It’s not just about drug testing; it’s about helping kids and families make the right choices.”

The topic was initially suggested during the annual co-curricular review board meeting held in February of 2013. A coach proposed the idea of mandatory drug testing for all students who participate in co-curricular activities, prompting the district’s exploration of this option.

While researching schools that have implemented mandatory drug test policies, administrators found that the benefits of drug testing were not as expected. The district has noted that, in these schools, 22% of students not covered by the co-curricular code use substances compared to the 16% of students within the code that use substances.

Though results also show that students covered by the co-curricular code changed substance behavior during the season, drugs were again taken post-season, according to Ross.

Other reasons for the rejection were the legal costs from families challenging the testing methods, and the role District 203 should be having concerning students’ privacy.

While the district is not implementing drug testing, both NNHS and NCHS are implementing anti-drug programs.

“We’re always looking for ways to strengthen and reinforce our already strong anti-drug message,” said Ross.

According to a memo proposed to the school board, NNHS started the Rise Above program, which is similar to “Star Raiders,” an anti-drug program that existed at NNHS in the 1990’s.

NCHS created the Be3 program, which aids against bullying. Both schools are also part of the Power of Choice campaign, as well as Operation Snowball.

According to Ross, District 203 and District 204 have created a “community wide prevention coalition,” which is currently unnamed, in an effort to reduce substance abuse in grades 6-12.

While only mandatory drug testing was declined, voluntary testing is still  in question. However, it is not a priority for the board.

“Voluntary drug testing facilities already exist in Naperville, although not through the district. Students and parents can always test themselves if they wish,” said Ross.