The annual drug testing update for Junction City High School is one agenda item for the Geary USD 475 Board of Education on Monday.

The Board will be in session at 5 p.m. Monday at the Devin Center.

According to the JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp at this time the vendor has conducted 112 tests, with 104 returning negative and eight positive for a 92.8% negative rating.  JCHS has had 11 referrals for this behavior code with one of those being coded as alcohol possession.

It was noted that some of the negative tests are from students who initially tested positive as well. After testing positive they came back at a later date to reestablish their “in good standing” and had no drugs in their system.

Also reported was that the administrative team at JCHS believes they are making a strong statement to the learning community that they will maintain a drug-free school, and they fully support the initiative to continue the testing based on the availability based on the district’s partnership with the City.

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Another issue to be discussed at the BOE meeting will involve elementary school playground considerations. An assessment has revealed that a number of elementary schools have significant structural challenges with swing sets and and inadequate playground surfaces that need to be addressed in the short term. Staff is recommending that swing sets at seven schools be replaced and associated be updated at seven schools this summer. The cost estimate is $100,000. Money is available in the capital outlay fund.