Texas district imposes drug testing for extracurricular play

AMARILLO, Texas (AP) — A school district in the Texas Panhandle will begin drug testing students as young as 12 years old who are interested in playing sports or participating in other extracurricular activities.

Bushland Independent School District Superintendent Chris Wigington tells Amarillo station KVII-TV that testing will begin with the resumption of classes next month.

Wigington says students in grades seven through 12 must pass the drug test before they’re approved for extracurricular events.

He says the district does not have a drug problem but the school board wants to be “proactive” and ensure that students “have a drug-free environment.” Either saliva swabs or urine samples will be tested. Students who apply for a parking permit also will be tested.

Administrators will check for seven substances, including alcohol, marijuana, heroin and opioids.

Bushland is just west of Amarillo.

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Information from: KVII-TV, http://www.connectamarillo.com/