(Valley News Live) – Valley City Public Schools will no longer allow students to consume energy drinks on campus, citing health concerns and the impact of high caffeine levels on learning and activities.
Superintendent Josh Johnson said the change takes effect Monday, Oct. 19, and applies districtwide.
“We are learning more and more from local health experts about the negative impacts that energy drinks can have on student learning in the classroom and their participation in activities,” Johnson said in a written statement. “Energy drinks are undeniably loaded with caffeine; one drink often containing more than double the daily recommended mg of caffeine for children ages 12-18.”
Johnson said the decision was made “in an effort to support and better the overall health and well-being of our students at Valley City Public Schools” and was not in response to any national incident.
In an email to parents dated Oct. 13, 2026, the district said popular brands such as Celsius, Alani, Monster, Rockstar, NOS, and Red Bull can contain 200 or more milligrams of caffeine in a 12- to 16-ounce can — at least twice the 100 milligrams per day recommended for teens ages 12–18.
The district said it had received staff and parent concerns about “the excessive number of energy drinks being consumed during the school day” by Valley City High School students.
After reviewing those concerns and consulting with health practitioners at Essentia Health, administrators decided to prohibit student energy drink consumption in all Valley City schools.
Students who violate the new rule will be referred to the principal’s office and could face disciplinary consequences under existing school and district policies, according to the parent email.
Johnson noted the change comes as the district nears the end of the first quarter and continues broader efforts to support student well-being, including improving attendance and planning for a new school building expected to open in fall 2028.
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