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Miami-Dade Public Schools Announces Program For Random Drug Testing

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami-Dade School district announced Tuesday a plan for a pilot program for the random drug testing of students participating in sports and other extracurricular activities.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will be implementing the program for the 2014-2015 school year.

Federal authorities, on Tuesday, charged seven people with illegally providing steroids to prominent sports figures—as well as high school students. The district's investigation into the case did not indicate the involvement of any Miami-Dade public school students.

READ: Federal Charges Filed In Miami-Based MLB Steroid Scandal

"The District is committed to the safety of our children," Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho is quoted as saying in a press release. "The charges brought against these individuals were a positive move by the federal government. Closing down facilities like this - which are providing drugs to children - will benefit our community. This pilot program will provide an additional safety net against the use of performance-enhancing drugs by our youth."

The program was proposed by School Board Member Raquel Regalado and passed by the School Board during the September 2013 meeting.

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