KISD stands behind KYSSAD program for drug testing
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore School District does not believe random drug testing is cost effective.

Jerry Roberts, superintendent, said the district has looked at the idea of drug testing in the past as other school districts adopted the policy. “The cost of the program to start would be approximately $100,000,” said Roberts. “We feel KISD does not have the type of problem that would justify spending that kind of money.”

Roberts said the KYSSAD program (Kilgore Youth Standing Superior Against Drugs) is one method KISD uses to help monitor potential drug use amongst KISD students. “This program, which has over 70 percent participation, allows students from the sixth grade and up to obtain rewards and privileges by being a member of KYSSAD,” said Roberts.

Roberts said the KYSSAD program is run by Officer Richard Stanley of the Kilgore Police Department and is a separate entity from the school district. “We wanted the program to be run this way because when Stanley comes to the school for drug testing of members the district does not know when or who is going to be tested,” said Roberts.

Roberts said KYSSAD members in junior high earn free movie passes, invitations to KYSSAD-sponsored dances and other such rewards for staying drug free. “Like any program, it has its negative side from time to time when a student fails the test,” said Roberts. “We are no means saying KISD is drug free, but we have a very low failure rate.”

Roberts said the main privilege is for juniors and seniors. “By being a member of KYSSAD, they are permitted to leave campus for lunch,” said Roberts. “If they fail a test the student loses their privileges for six months.”

Roberts said the KYSSAD program has been in place for 20 years at KISD. He describes it as “a very positive program.”

Roberts said another drawback to random drug testing is that testing students for drugs and steroids requires two different tests and two different costs.

“All testing is done by independent contractors,” said Roberts. “They are quick to point out one test does not cover all.”

Roberts said KISD will continue to monitor policy and procedures from other districts as to random drug testing and any legislation that stems from these procedures but, at least for now, now there are no immediate plans to adopt any type of random drug testing for KISD.

Roberts said KYSSAD members are not required to take the drug test but refusal costs the student all privileges associated with the program for a period of at least six months.

“This is strictly a volunteer program and has been very successful for KISD,” said Roberts.