Canfield Schools adopt new drug testing policy that differs from other districts
Canfield is joining a growing list of schools requiring students who participate in extra-curricular activities to take a drug test. However, there are some aspects of the policy that differ from other districts.

CANFIELD, Ohio - Canfield is joining a growing list of schools requiring students who participate in extra-curricular activities to take a drug test. However, there are some aspects of the policy that differ from other districts.
Thursday night, parents attended a meeting to learn more about the new policy. For some students drug testing will begin as soon as next week.
"This is jut a piece of a broad scope of keeping our kids safe," said Superintendent Alex Geordan.
The new policy breaks down like this:
High School student drivers, athletes and marching band members will be required to take a urine test. That test will check for alcohol, nicotine and other drugs. Positive tests will be disciplined internally between the school and parents.
A positive test for nicotine will only be punished by the district if that student is committed to an additional code of conduct through their sport.
"Something for information for parents, so that they can have a conversation with their youth. Now if they decide to allow their youngsters to continue that vaping that's between them but at least our parents will have that information," said Geordan.
One aspect of the policy school leaders are particularly proud of is the "self referral" option for students. This allows students to come forward prior to testing and admit if they need help.
"If and when we get a self referral that information is shared only with the family, no discipline. no punitive action will be taken against the youngster and we make sure they get the assistance that the asked for," explained Geordan.
The district is also offering an "opt in" for parents of all students K-12. These results would go directly to the parents and do not involve the district.
Geordan feels this aspect gives students an excuse against peer pressure.
"They'll be able to look at their friends that could offer them something and they can look at them and say 'I can't, I could be randomly tested at any point,'" said Geordan.
To help off set the cost of the testing, the district has raised student parking passes from $10 to $20. Officials estimate in the end it may cost the district three to four-thousand additional dollars, but say they really view this policy as "priceless."