By Alabama Public Radio
Hartselle AL – The Hartselle city school board is expanding a voluntary student drug testing program into earlier grades. The program is called Project Independent Decision and is funded through a grant by the US Department of Education. The high school already has been part of the project since 2002, and beginning next month, 6th - 7th - and 8th graders will also be included. Parents and students sign a consent form to take part in the testing. Parents are informed of a positive test, but the school takes no action ... unlike Hartselle's regular drug policy where students can face suspension. The Morgan County Substance Network and Calhoun Community College's nursing division are helping with the program.