Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has completed a feasibility study on random drug testing of students participating in sports and other extracurricular activities. The District will be initiating plans to start a pilot program for random drug testing of these students this school year.
Last week, federal authorities charged seven people with illegally providing steroids to prominent sports figures, as well as high school athletes. The District’s investigation into this case did not indicate the involvement of any M-DCPS students.
“The District is committed to the safety of our children,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “The charges brought against these individuals were a positive move by the federal government. Closing down facilities like this – which are providing drugs to children – will benefit our community. This pilot program will provide an additional safety net against the use of performance-enhancing drugs by our youth.”
The feasibility study for random drug testing was proposed by School Board Member Raquel Regalado and passed by the School Board during the September 2013 meeting.