Dear Oran R-III Families and Community Members,

We are writing to share information about a new statewide school safety initiative in which Oran R-III has been randomly selected to participate.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) has selected approximately 164 schools across the state for its Wastewater Testing for School Safety program. The program is designed to serve as an early warning system for fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic opioids.

It’s important to note that Oran R-III was selected at random. Our selection does not mean state officials have identified or suspect a drug-related concern in our school district. Schools were randomly selected across the nine Missouri State Highway Patrol troops to provide representation from throughout the state.

As part of the program, the state’s vendor, Stercus Bioanalytics, will collect samples from wastewater leaving our school building through an outside sewer pipe. This is not our drinking water, and our drinking water is not affected in any way. Testing is provided at no cost to the district and requires minimal involvement from school staff.

The samples will be screened for dangerous synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, nitazenes, and carfentanil, as well as other substances.

Wastewater testing provides broad information and does not test or identify individual students, staff members, or visitors. A result cannot determine who used a substance, how many people used it, how much was used, whether it was used on school property, or where it entered the wastewater.

If a sample produces a positive result, it would indicate that someone who contributed to the wastewater during the sampling period had used a tested substance within the previous 24 to 72 hours. A positive result would not lead to student investigations, searches, or discipline as part of this state program.

If Oran R-III receives a positive result, we will promptly share that information on our school website. Our response will remain focused on education, prevention, support, and student safety.

While DPS reports results publicly by Missouri State Highway Patrol troop rather than individual schools, we believe it is important for our families and community to hear directly from us about any results involving our school.

We appreciate your partnership as we participate in this statewide initiative and work together to maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for every student.

Sincerely,

Dr. Friga

Superintendent