The Springfield Board of Education updated some of its policies related to marijuana, but did not take up a discussion on a proposal to introduce random drug tests for students.
Most of the school district's changes were made to acknowledge that despite the legalization of recreational marijuana in Missouri, the drug remains prohibited throughout Springfield Public Schools.
With a 7-0 vote, the board approved alterations to five policies (coded as GBEBA, GBEBB-4, JFCH, JFG and KK). The vote was made during the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 27, and the board reviewed the changes during a Feb. 13 study session.
The policies were written and recommended by the Missouri School Boards Association, an advisory group to the district.
No marijuana on school property
The policies spell out several points regarding marijuana use and possession in a post-legalization Missouri:
People are barred from having marijuana on any SPS property or during any SPS activity — they may not possess, distribute or use marijuana. The use of medical marijuana by students who have such permission from the state is also prohibited. Students who violate the policies are subject to involvement from law enforcement agents, in addition to other disciplinary actions by their school.
Despite legalization in Missouri, marijuana use, possession or distribution remain prohibited, and the school board made its policy adjustments to keep Springfield Public Schools in compliance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act.
SPS may conduct tests of employees suspected of working under the influence of any controlled substance, and employees who refuse to take drug tests face additional consequences.
School resource officers may search students and their property if students are suspected of drug use. An alert by a drug-sniffing dog can allow such a search to be conducted.
Employers in states where recreational marijuana use has been legalized have found themselves in a changing landscape of workplace liability. Because it receives federal funding and because it transports students, Springfield Public Schools is subject to the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Possibility of random tests for students
Two policies discussed on Feb. 13 that dealt with drug testing students did not return to the agenda Feb. 27.
While both proposals called for student drug tests in cases of reasonable suspicion, one sample policy created a protocol for conducting random tests for participants in sports and activities governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).
Springfield Superintendent Grenita Lathan said on Feb. 13 that she would recommend a drug testing policy at a later time, after she heard board members’ thoughts and consulted with attorneys.
“We’re trying to make sure everything is transparent,” Lathan said on Feb. 13. “We’ll be making a recommendation, but just in case someone feels strongly about one, we wanted all board members to have the chance to weigh in.”
Springfield Public Schools does not currently do any random drug tests, according to conversation during that meeting. However, the ability to conduct tests under reasonable suspicion is allowed under Policy JFG, which was approved on Feb. 27.
In discussion on Feb. 13, both Board President Danielle Kincaid and board member Maryam Mohammadkhani liked the option of opening such tests to all students as a possibility.
“I believe in respecting the privacy of students in our schools,” Kincaid said on Feb. 13. “But there is value in identifying if a student is struggling, so they can get resources earlier than later in life. It can be a deterrent factor, as well.”
Mohammadkhani noted that having a policy structure in place would be helpful, regardless of whether the school district carries through with testing students.
“Just because we say we do random tests doesn’t mean that we have to,” Mohammadkhani said on Feb. 13. “I like the idea that we can. They are children, and if that’s what it takes to protect them.”
Such testing is already a requirement for Springfield Public Schools bus drivers. A list of employees is chosen for random testing monthly.
Two other policy proposals from Feb. 13 were also not included during the Feb. 27 meeting. The policies deal with student discipline, and based on board members' conversation, are likely to be brought up during a future meeting.
The Daily Citizen has asked a spokesperson from Springfield Public Schools to elaborate on the four policies, and will update this story if a response is given.
