Random drug testing conducted during the school year aims to curb student drug use. However, it
has sparked debate regarding privacy, effectiveness, and its impact on student trust and school culture.
Striking a balance between fostering a safe educational environment and respecting individual rights
remains a contentious challenge.
Random drug testing in schools has become a focal point of concern among educators, parents,
and policymakers. Many contend that it acts as a preventive measure, identifying students who may need help before their drug use escalates into a more serious issue. However, the introduction of random drug testing has not been without controversy.
Some believe that it may infringe on students’ privacy rights and contribute to a climate of
mistrust between students and school authorities. To gain a clearer understanding, multiple individuals, including Kingsway’s superintendent Dr. James Lavender and supervisor of student personal services, Mike Schiff, gave details of this testing policy.
“I have no role in the front end – I support students on the back end. If a student tests positive, we
will support them and their family,” Schiff said. Although he isn’t responsible for the organization, he
explained that students are randomly selected and sent to the school nurse’s office to provide a urine
sample. The sample is tested offsite, and the results are shared with only a few people of higher rank.

“There are two buckets… Bucket 1 – random students, Bucket 2 – previously tested positive…
people are trained to handle certain situations… parents are always contacted and notified,” assistant
principal Jim Zurzolo stated. He noted that approximately 1,900 students are involved in the process,
including those participating in extracurricular activities, who are required to be tested in order to engage in what activities the school has to offer. “Parents may be shocked and want resources and support the school can provide… Know that the
school/department is there. Levels are over 1000 if one smokes… school has seen scores over 3000. Oils that drug users are consuming are hurting lungs,” Zurzolo explained.
Lavender, told two heartbreaking stories that offer a new perspective to those questioning the policy. “On Christmas Eve in 2011, we lost Jessica Minix, an outstanding high school softball player
and 2011 graduate, to an overdose. Jessica was a talented athlete with a bright future, and her passing was a heartbreaking reminder of how substance abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their potential or promise. As the years went on, the dangers grew. Synthetic and designer drugs became increasingly
prevalent, adding complexity to our prevention efforts. We brought in expert presenters, partnered with the Prosecutor’s Office, and conducted K-9 sweeps, but these measures still felt insufficient. In April 2017, another tragedy struck. Farrah Guinaugh, a member of the sophomore class (KRHS 2019),
overdosed at a party. While it was never confirmed, I later learned that she had experimented with drugs that may have been laced with fentanyl. Farrah was a kindhearted and sweet student, and her death was entirely preventable,” he said.
He further discussed how a parents´ number one fear is losing a child, whether to drugs or other causes. It can shatter families and leave an unquenchable void, replacing the warmth of love with an overwhelming sense of loss and helplessness. The sorrow of knowing that a young life was claimed and cut short by something so preventable lingers forever. Stories like Jessica and Farrah’s need to be heard to spread awareness and support the reasons behind implementing random drug tests in schools.
“…we are largely satisfied with the success of our Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and
have no intention of eliminating it. The program has proven to be an effective tool for prevention and
intervention, aligning with our commitment to student well-being,” Lavender said.
Junior Gia Griscom a student who has previously been tested, shared her
opinion: ¨I think the policy is necessary/fair to all students because prior to this, the students parents have to give consent for their child to be randomly selected to do this… I think that once others know that your parents had to consent to it first, then they would agree with me,” she said. Her viewpoint highlights the importance of parental consent, suggesting that awareness of this may lead to broader acceptance among the student body.
¨I do not believe that there are better alternatives to random drug testing for addressing drug use
in school because it is not something forced by the school, it is done in private with consent… there isn’t really anything they can be mad about,¨ she added