Drug Testing Policy Clarified

 Drug Testing Takes Hold at HHS

By Tyler Kramer and Collin Nolen

Harvard District 50's new drug and alcohol testing policy in place for this school year has warranted some clarification so The Buzz turned to athletic director and events coordinator Mr. Scott Striegel..

                “The Board of Education felt that it was a need in the school,” Striegel said. “We wanted to give students in extracurricular activities a deterrent for using alcohol and drugs.”

According to Striegel, 10 high school students will be randomly selected 10 times throughout the school year.  The testing will be done by Centegra Health System of McHenry County..

                “We are working hand in hand with Centegra Hospital to get the drug testing done," he said. 

Misinformation led to many assuming that the school is going to hand-pick students that will be tested for drugs or alcohol.  Mr. Striegel said that is incorrect. 

                “Drug testing will be completely random and Harvard High School has nothing to do with the selection [of the students].” Striegel said.

           “I think that it is a magnificent idea because it keeps the athletes dedicated to their sports instead of drinking alcohol and doing drugs,” said senior athlete Dane Miller.

Some students are still against the new policy.

                “It is a waste of time and money that could be used for new equipment, air-conditioning, etc.,” countered senior Iede Rossmiller, who opposes the policy.

                While some are against the new board policy, Harvard High has students who think it benefits the school and do not care either way about being tested. “I don't mind it because I’m drug free and it wouldn’t faze me,” commented freshman Lucas Schmidt.

                                     One rumor about the policy that also needed addressing was that the policy was only in place for athletes. This is also wrong. Any student participating in HHS extracurricular activities - clubs, band, the play, is eligible to be tested.

                There is definitely some controversy over the new drug and alcohol testing policy. But the testing will be done because it has officially been approved by the Board of Education. The policy was put into effect at the start of the fall sports seasons.