Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) has been awarded a $198,604 grant to implement a random student drug-testing program. The drug testing program is for students in grades 6-12 who participate in athletics or in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

Mission CISD will receive the first year allotment of $198,604, with the total amount of the grant potentially reaching more than $595,812 over the next three years.

“As a member of Congress, ensuring that our children grow up in a healthy environment is an issue I take very seriously. I will do everything that is in my reach to make sure that all our students are drug-free,” said Congressman Cuellar. “One of the best places to start weeding out this problem is at our schools.”

As part of the program, Mission CISD will randomly perform drug test on the students, provided that the student’s parent or legal guardian signs a consent form. If a student tests positive, the school district will place that child in an assistance program and will provide counseling or drug treatment if necessary. The results will be confidential.

“Mission CISD thanks Congressman Henry Cuellar for everything he is doing to promote a drug-free culture,” said Superintendent Oscar Rodriguez. “We welcome this grant with open arms because it will help us utilize in other areas the resources we currently have, while at the same time promoting a healthy environment.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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