ADAMS TWP — Middle and high school students in the Mars School District who participate in school sports or activities or who drive to school may be subjected next year to random drug screenings.

The school board is considering a policy that would require those students to agree to random drug testing during the time the activity or sport is ongoing.

Students who drive to school could be randomly tested over the entire school year.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley explained to the board Tuesday night that the program would be at the district’s expense. He said a positive test would not result in punishment for the student, but the student would not be permitted to participate in the sport or activity or to drive to school.

“This is about taking care of the children,” Shipley said. “This is not a punitive thing.”

Board Vice President Becky Brown said while the subject of student drug use may be uncomfortable to think about, the policy potentially could give teens a means to avoid doing something they are being pressured into.

Board member Christine Valenta said the policy would benefit the district.

Board President Dayle Ferguson said the board likely would vote initially on the policy next Tuesday.

She said the policy would be posted for 30 days to give time for anyone to comment on it.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the meeting room adjacent to the administrative office at the primary center.