Education Dept. awards drug testing grant to D-117
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded District 117 a grant of more than $700,000 over the next three years to cover the costs of expanding its student drug-testing program. The department notified district officials about the award earlier this month. It is part of a $10 million nationwide initiative to offer schools support in their design and implementation of screening and intervention programs.
Nathan Bylsma, coordinator of the district’s Student Assistance Program, developed the grant proposal that put LCHS and ACHS in the running for the federal funding.
Pending approval from the Board of Education at its meeting on Nov. 3, the money will be used to randomly test students who are involved in competitive extra-curricular activities and students who, along with their parents, give their consent to volunteer in the random testing.
“Ideally, it will help us achieve a more drug-free student population who can then focus more on their education and prepare themselves for their future - whatever that will be,” Principal Robert Crist said.
LCHS performed hair sample testing on all of the fall student-athletes at the beginning of the season. This federal grant will allow District 117 to expand its student drug-testing policy, pay stipends of the staff on the Student Assistance Team, and fund related educational programs.