A planned random student drug-testing regimen in Sparta, N.J., has been delayed over concerns about possible new state regulatory requirements, the New Jersey Herald reported Aug. 29.

School administrators have shelved the program because the New Jersey Board of Education wants to require schools to use state-licensed laboratories for all student drug tests, which could increase drug-testing costs for schools. "We are putting it on hold for the time being," said Sparta board member Jonathan Rush.  "We are going to wait (on the state's decision) and see what happens."

The Sparta school board approved the drug-testing plan in June, and the district already has purchased testing equipment. Officials estimated that each student drug test would cost $8 under the original plan but more than $30 if the district is required to use state-licensed labs.