Demarest schools consider random drug tests for students

Random drug tests could be on the way for high school students in Demarest if a new program is approved.
School officials are considering implementing random drug tests for high school students who are involved in extra-curricular activities, and those who drive themselves to school and park on campus.
The program's creators say the concept has been successful in other school districts, with very little opposition from the students.
Demarest school officials say they would select designated days on which an outside testing service would come in and do the tests. Those tests would be overseen by medical professionals.
School officials say the proposed program would be more preventive than punitive in nature, providing support for students and their families should anyone test positive.
If approved by the Board of Education, Demarest school officials say it would take a year to review the drug testing program before putting it into practice.