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Boardman begins drug testing athletes
BOARDMAN
The school district will begin drug testing fall athletes today.
This round of testing begins the second year of mandatory drug testing for student athletes and drivers.
Superintendent Frank Lazzeri characterizes last year’s implementation of mandatory testing as “outstanding,” saying only three out of approximately 750 students – about half of Boardman’s high-school population – tested positive.
“Just the opportunity the kids are given to say no to drugs helps them avoid the peer pressure,” Lazzeri said. “It gives them an excuse to make a good choice in their life.”
The policy, which at first was voluntary for that group of students, will expand this year to become voluntary for extracurricular groups such as student council.
Eventually it will become mandatory for that student population as well, Lazzeri said.
He also expects to expand the program to the middle schools two years from now, a step he plans to recommend to the board of education.
Tests, which can detect drug use within a period of about 90 days, are taken from hair samples.
Student drivers and athletes must be tested before they are permitted to drive to school or begin their sports season.
They also are entered into a pool for random drug testing throughout the year. About 100 students were drawn from that pool last year.
Drug testing cost the district roughly $38,000 last school year. Lazzeri said he expects to lower that cost this year because he found a cheaper option, but thinks the cost is worth what the community gets out of the policy.
“I think taxpayers realize even though it’s an additional cost to them, it’s a good program in that” it might steer a child away from a life of drug addiction, he said, noting that addiction-related crimes end up costing taxpayers money because of the resources law enforcement officials must devote.
“If it saves one life, if it prevents kids from making bad choices ... it’s worth it,” he said.
Lazzeri says drug testing is not meant to be punitive; if a student does test positive, the student would be offered help and would not be excluded from participating in the chosen sport or club.
It’s one of several methods by which the school district is trying to combat drug use among students.
Another anti-drug measure is YesFest, an annual event that connects students with community outreach opportunities and encourages them to make good choices.
The school district’s focus on preventing drug use sharpened after several Boardman graduates died of drug overdoses in recent years.
“It’s not easy. You can’t reach every child. But we will not give up on any child,” Lazzeri said of the district’s efforts.