If a student at Westborough Public Schools is suspected of being drunk or high on drugs at school, officials may have that student submit to an alcohol breath and/or saliva testing or face disciplinary action. That is a new policy approved by the Westborough School Committee as part of the Westborough Schools Chemical Health Policy.

“We believe that the most effective deterrent to alcohol/drug use is openness and communication among students, parents and the school community, which corresponds with the attitudes and beliefs promoted in our school wellness programs and curriculum,” the policy states. “This collaborative effort is intended to enhance all aspects of school life in order to develop healthy, productive and high-achieving students.”

If the result of testing indicates that a student has consumed drugs or alcohol, school officials will release the student to the custody of a guardian and a meeting will be scheduled with school officials to discuss the findings.

If the testing is negative, the student’s guardian will be contacted by phone and informed of the testing.

If the student refuses to participate in the testing, the student’s guardian will be contacted and informed that the student may be subject to school disciplinary consequences based on an administrator’s determination that the student was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

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