KIRKSVILLE, MO -- After several months of discussion, drug testing at Kirksville schools for its sports and other activities is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Around 20 parents showed up Tuesday night to hear information about the proposed drug testing for the upcoming calendar year.

Students participating in sports from 6th-12th grade would be subjected to a random urine sample. That also includes band, chorus, speech and drama students.

What sold members of the school board on the drug testing proposal was believing students would look at the test as a deterrent.

"We're not looking to go out and catch and punish people," said Kirksville School Board member Matt Copeland. "We're looking to be preventive, to educate. And if there's a problem, because we know at some point we will have a positive. We want to make sure we're getting the right people the help."

The forum wasn't met with all positive feedback, as others voiced concern about the policy.

However, after Tuesday night's feedback and some tweaking of the policy, the school board is likely to vote in favor of the drug testing at next week's board.