CVA Super Talks Cocaine After Football Player Suspension

The Central Valley Academy Superintendent of Schools was on First News with Keeler on Monday to discuss drugs in schools after a group of junior varsity football players were suspended for using cocaine on the way to a football game, according to the school.

Richard Hughes said the students have been suspended and will lose some privileges for upcoming sports and that the Ilion police department is investigating.

"We need to know the warning signs," said Hughes who  plans to use this situation to educate parents about drug abuse in schools.  He said there will be an upcoming open forum to help parents and people in the community learn the facts about kids and drugs.

Listen to the complete interview on Keeler-

Some Things We Learned off-air from Hughes (paraphrased answers)

1.  Do you do random locker checks on students?  Yes, but kids who are abusing drugs tend to be smart enough not to store any contraband in their lockers.

2.  Do you do random drug tests on students?  Drug tests tend to be cost prohibitive and present legal issues for the school district.

3. How did the parents of the students who have been charged with using the drug on the bus respond?  Very well.  The parents are very concerned and are cooperating for the best interest of the students.

4.  When will the forum for parents and community members be held?  This is being worked on. An announcement will be coming soon to inform people of when and where.