OQS-26-010 Wastewater Sampling

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 07/22/2026 02:58 PM CDT

Wastewater Sampling

In December 2025, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) provided local education agencies (LEAs) with an opportunity to participate in a voluntary program that used wastewater samples to identify the presence of illicit drugs. More than 40 LEAs participated in the program last year and the extent and nature of dangerous deadly drugs detected was alarming.

On June 30, 2026, Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law two pieces of legislation (HB2002 and HB2008) that will impact LEAs. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the new laws require LEAs selected by DPS to participate in the state’s efforts to monitor and identify dangerous drugs in schools, including fentanyl and nitazenes.

DPS will randomize the selection process across the nine Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troops to maximize geographic representation. If your LEA is selected, it must participate in the wastewater sampling process. We ask that you cooperate with the testers.

We will continue to partner with DPS, the Department of Health and Senior Services, and MSHP to ensure school leaders receive the most current information about the wastewater testing process. The overarching goal of this program is to increase safety and awareness in the communities we serve, and we thank you in advance for your assistance.

If you have any questions or would like your LEA to be prioritized for wastewater testing, please contact Department of Public Safety’s Terressa Sherlock, at Terressa.sherlock@dps.mo.gov, 573-751-5427.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

	Questions? Contact Us		STAY CONNECTED:
	SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences \| Unsubscribe \| Help