Banned Girard student takes matter to court

WARREN – A Girard High School senior seeks a temporary restraining order to stop school officials from prohibiting his involvement in school events, including commencement.

The action was filed Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court by 18-year-old David B. West III, of East Second Street, against the school; Superintendent Joseph Jeswald; and William Ryser, high school principal.

A hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday before Judge W. Wyatt McKay.

In his complaint, West alleges that on April 13 there was an “impromptu gathering” at this home attended by students ages 16 to 20, and the other students brought beer and other intoxicants with them to the non-school function.

Girard police were called and arrested a number of juveniles and adults. West says he was not charged.

The school initiated a disciplinary proceeding against West, the complaint says, and he was banned beginning May 20 from being involved in any school activities, including band events, senior breakfast, graduation photographs and June 1 commencement.