AVON, Colo. -- Battle Mountain High School outside Avon may begin random drug testing of students in sports and other activities.

A task force of students, staff and community members developed the proposal. Six students have been expelled for drugs or alcohol over the past two years and others have been suspended.

"I think it's something that people in this county are taking a proactive approach on and we're glad they feel that way," said Principal Brian Hester.

School leaders said drug and alcohol use is a serious problem at Battle Mountain and has affected their ability to educate students.

The Eagle County school board is expected to vote on the policy on May 14.

If approved, the testing would begin in the fall.

Positive urine samples would have to be confirmed a second time by an independent, in-state lab.

If the staff determines the use occurred off campus, the student would lose time with his or her team or activity. f they determine the useage occurred on campus, the positive test results would bring a five-day suspension and a loss of 20 percent of the student's team or activity season.

"A lot of kids do it. It's just, you know, you're in high school. It's what you do. But if it's just a one-time thing or a couple-of-times kind of thing, and then you get caught because you have to take a test, then that kind of sucks," said senior Amy Webb.

Officials said the law allows mandatory drug tests only for students in extracurricular activities, but they said that would include more than three-quarters of Battle Mountain students.

The school is considering a policy to allow parents of other students to sign their children up for testing.

"I'm not able to reach the students I really need to reach," said guidance counselor Jeanne Hennessy.

She sees the addition of a full-time mental health counselor as a key component of the proposal.

"Peers respond to each other. So if they see their friends staying clean because they have a carrot or they have something that's keeping them accountable, they will do the same thing. Nobody wants to be left out," said Hennessy.

Students who test positive could be referred to a treatment program and suspended. A second positive test could bring expulsion.

The school has about 720 students.