Acting upon the recommendations of a 14-member committee, the Boardman Board of Education took the first step in approving a mandatory drug-testing policy for students during its meeting on Monday night held at Center Middle School.
      After a presentation by George Statler, spokesperson of the committee, the school board unanimously approved the first reading of the proposed policy. It could take effect next month when the board votes on the second reading of the proposal.
      None of the 40 or so persons who stayed at the board meeting to hear the board approve the first reading of the proposal, objected to the new policy.
      The new policy will at first be geared to fall sports teams and the some 500 students who drive to Boardman High School for classes.
      The new policy, if approved, mandates that hair samples be taken and tested by a drug screening.
      “Five classes of drugs will be tested through the hair sampling, including cocaine, marihuana, opiates, methamphetamine and phencyclidine,” according to the proposed policy.
      “Many parents, PTA members and teachers have expressed concerns asking what can be done to help the young people in our community,” said Statler, a now retired Boardman police officer who spent 27 of his 32-year career in drug enforcement.
      “The problem is closer than we may think...Drug abuse is very scary and it appears to be an ever-increasing issue playing itself out in communities like our, all across the country, Statler said.
      The longtime drug enforcement officer told the school board “A mandatory drug testing policy would provide not only a strong positive message to the students and the community, it would also [provide a safer, healthier learning environment---academically, athletically and socially.”
      Statler suggested a “mandatory drug testing policy would provide a learning environment built with good choices---of you test positive, you lose privileges.”
      Statler indicated however, a mandatory policy would not be designed to be punitive.
      “Such a policy would provide an avenue of assistance for students, through identification and rehabilitation of a student who has a substance abuse problem,” Statler said.
      He noted a hair sample test “provides an approximate 90-day window into the history of substance abuse, as well as a test that is almost impossible to defeat.
      “This information can then be utilized to help with the counseling and rehabilitation of the student.”
      Statler also said a mandatory drug testing policy will empower students ‘to just say no,’ because of the consequences of testing positive.
      “The focus of a mandatory drug testing policy is to identify students at risk...and help them return to the school community to continue their education and set them on a path to success. The testing program will be academically non-punitive,” he added.
      Boardman High School Principal Jared Cardillo told the school board a mandatory drug testing policy provides an avenue to “help our students. We are educators, we all love kids and we are here to help.”
      The principal said since hair samples provide the most accurate information, “Our kids will realize very quickly that this is no joke.
      “I hope this policy provides an incentive for our kids to make good choices.”
      Also addressing the school board was another member of the drug testing committee, Betsy Slater.
      “It is my opinion that implementing a drug testing policy in the Boardman Local Schools is a sure fire way of helping students live healthier and safer lives...Consider the culture in which kids are growing up, and understand how mandatory drug testing can change lives for the better,” Slater said, adding “I know drugs can destroy users and tear apart families.”
      Only two other schools in the area have adopted mandatory drug testing policies, Struthers and Western Reserve; and Lowelville High School tests all student-athletes.
      Boardman Supt. Frank Lazzeri noted decision of the Ohio Supreme Court affirm drug testing for extra-curricular activities.
      He stressed the policy will be designed to help any student who may test positive.
      While the new policy mandates drug testing for students, it does not mandate teachers and non-certified staff be tested.
      A draft of the proposed no policy requires mandatory drug testing “Before a student is permitted to participate in an extra-curricular activity..”
      The proposed policy mandates that drug testing results “will be confidentially provided by the testing company directly to the school district...The student’s parents will then be contacted and a conference will be scheduled to discuss appropriate interventions.”
      Although the school board has no current policy on drug testing its current staff, the board has adopted a ‘drug-free workplace policy.’
      That policy mandates that all prospective employees “must pass a drug test before beginning work or receiving an offer of employment...Refusal to submit to testing will result in the disqualification of further employment consideration.”
      According to Boardman Police Chief Jack Nichols, “Opiate use and drug addiction is the biggest quality of life issue in out community. It is truly an epidemic.”
      Prior to Monday’s meeting, the first group of students were tested. They were members of Mike Trell’s Boardman Lady Spartan softball team. Mr. Trell’s daughter died last year of suspected drug-related causes. Also submitting to the test were members of the school administration and school board.
      The Rest of the Meeting
      Monday night’s meeting of the board opened with recognition to students who participated in the Quiz Bowl, and high school swim, cross country, bowling, wrestling and indoor track teams.
      The school board accepted resignations from four teachers, Susan Friedrich, third grade at West Blvd.; Charlene Galose, Glenwood Middle art; Kathleen Rothman, Glenwood fifth grade English; and Charles Yorde, high school industrial arts.
      Classified staff members submitting resignations included bus driver Anthony Cordova, Robinwood Lane noontime aide Martha Ferenchak, and bus aide Roula Santamas.
      Parental leaves of absence were granted to Laura Pfahler and Krista Schmied.
      A disability leave of absence was approved for Christine Terlesky, effective Apr. 1.
      Approved as a second grade teacher at market St. Elementary School was Emily McFarland.
      Aaron Miller was granted a limited contract as a night custodian at Stadium Dr., and Jolene Robison was granted a contract as a bus driver.
      Four administrative contracts were renewed, including Al Cervello, West Blvd. principal, $80,643; Don Robinson, Robinwood Lane principal, $85,482; Bart Smith, Center Middle assistant principal, $64,319; and Jack Zoolo, coordinator of special education and special services, $85,482. Each of those contract renewals runs to July 31, 2017.