Random drug testing is coming to USD 379 Clay County.

The USD 379 school board voted unanimously Monday night to enter a contract with the company "Sport Safe" to perform the service.

It will cover seventh thru twelfth graders involved in extracurricular activities. The board decided against including sixth graders.

Board member Jean Frigon says the board explored the idea in the wake of "Kids Count" data reports showing Clay County ranked among the highest in teenaged alcohol and drug use. She says they wanted a way to work proactively to identify those students who might have a problem so that they could be helped.

The district had hoped to begin testing this school year, but a definite timeline isn't set yet.