District 95 Votes Down Random Drug Testing

’s Board of Education rejected a proposal that would require students to submit to random drug testing.

All seven of the board members were present at Thursday’s board meeting: Five voted "no," Tony Pietro abstained and Jim Burke voted "present."

Just two weeks ago, , with 1,455 of 1,912 opposed to random drug testing. Of those opposing the testing, 1,139 indicated they "do not believe it is the school’s responsibility."

Legally, only students who were on sports teams, involved in extracurricular activities and who parked on school property would have been subjected to random drug testing.

One parent expressed his opinion during the public comment portion of Thursday night's meeting.

“It’s not that I don’t think there is a drug problem; I don’t think testing is the answer,” said Dan Fewkes.

Before the vote, each board member addressed the public, thanking them for their input and asking them to stay engaged in the discussion.

Pietro recommended attending the group meeting on Nov. 28 at the and getting involved that way.

“We have spent a lot of time debating this,” said board member Kathleen Wallis. “We are here to represent the community and the community has spoken.”

“I want to thank the parents and the community that brought additional perspectives to the table for us,” said board member Mike Finn.

According to Principal Kim Kolze, “This has helped us to look at the consequences we currently have in place. Our next step is to take a look at those and revise them.”

“I think the board made an informed decision that reflects the community’s feelings,” said Superintendent Michael J. Egan.