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.

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