JACKSON TWP -- The Seneca Valley School District is making progress in lowering positive results in its random drug testing program for students in grades nine through 12 who are in a sport or activity, or who drive a car to school.

Matt McKinley, assistant superintendent, told the school board at its Monday night meeting that while 2.4% of students tested positive in a random sample two years ago during the coronavirus pandemic, that number has been reduced to 1.9%.

McKinley said the positive rate before the arrival of COVID-19 was 0.4%.

The national average is 3.7%, he said.

“That is a good sign, but still very concerning,” McKinley said.

He said those who test positive, in addition to losing their parking and sports privileges at school, must submit to five follow-up tests.

He said the district has a 6% positive rate for follow-up tests, which is down from 8% during the pandemic.

“We believe the interventions are successful,” McKinley said.

He said 89% of the initial positive results showed marijuana and 11% alcohol.

McKinley said he met with the district’s secondary administrators about the test results.

“We are going to be vigilant about talking about procedures,” he said.

Superintendent Tracy Vitale said Seneca Valley wants to be proactive about drug use and was the first district in Pennsylvania to institute random drug testing several years ago, and among the first in the U.S.

“We have been very open and transparent,” Vitale said. “We are not afraid to confront these issues.”

She said the loss of privileges for students who test positive is not about punishment but getting students the help they need.

Board member Mike Jacobs pointed out that in the followup tests, 94% did not have a positive result.

Board member Mike Jacobs pointed out that in the followup tests, 94% did not have a positive result.

McKinley said while more work needs to be done, the number of positive tests is coming down.

“Overall, I think it’s a successful year,” he said.