Kingsport City Schools passes drug testing policy

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a new drug testing policy for students involved in extracurricular activities during last week’s school board meeting.

According to the new policy provided to Tennessee Firefly, high school students participating in athletics, student clubs, leadership positions, and band will be subject to random drug tests. These tests will be conducted in the presence of a witness, typically a school administrator or other district designee.

While students who test positive for drug use will not be automatically suspended or expelled based solely on the results, the policy emphasizes maintaining order, discipline, student wellbeing, and safety within the district.

Board members briefly discussed how the policy could help save lives, particularly as reports of deaths related to fentanyl-laced drugs continue to rise across the country.

“I am confident this is going to improve safety and health in our schools,” said board member Tim Dean during the meeting. He also noted that the policy was the result of a “four-month conversation” among board members about whether and how the district should implement student drug testing.

Following the policy’s passage, the board voted 4-1 to adopt additional guidelines that clarify the drug testing protocols. Testing will occur on 10 random school days each year, selected by the superintendent. At least 20 students—plus those who have previously failed tests—will be chosen for random testing. The tests will screen for 12 types of psychoactive substances, including cannabis and opioids.

The policy also outlines disciplinary actions for students who fail drug tests. A first positive result will lead to a 14-day suspension from extracurricular activities. A second positive result will result in a 180-day suspension, and a third will lead to a full-year suspension from activities.

Assistant Superintendent Andy True said the policy was based on recommendations from the Tennessee School Boards Association and is "similar to what has been adopted by a majority of districts in Tennessee." The new policy will take effect next school year.