Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jan 2008
Source: News-Journal (Mansfield, OH)
Copyright: 2008 News-Journal.
Contact: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2413
Author: Lou Whitmire

PANEL DISCUSSES DRUG TESTING FOR ONTARIO SCHOOL  STUDENTS

ONTARIO -- Although some community leaders and school  officials 
agree there's a problem with drugs in Ontario  City Schools, they 
haven't decided if it's worthwhile  to begin random drug testing of students.

Wednesday night, a 14-member panel explored the  possibility of 
instituting such a policy in the  district.

Dr. Diana Richardson, a local pediatrician, said she's  concerned 
students could be singled out. "To have  everyone randomly drug 
tested seems like it's going to  be very low yield with a lot of 
expense and not  necessarily any proven outcome," Richardson said. "I 
do  agree if kids are drug users it would be a good idea to  identify them."

She said identifying students could disenfranchise  them, leading to 
dismissal from teams or clubs and a  downward spiral.

"I think almost every effort should be made to keep  them on the team 
and whatever punitive measures, maybe  part of it could be they would 
be drug tested before  every game," Rich-ardson said. "Some kids are 
doing it  (drugs) ... so they can be cooler with their friends  but 
some are doing it as self-medication for  depression. Those are the 
kids we have to identify  because they're the ones who are going to 
have other  problems."

Businessman and youth coach Brian Gates said student  drug testing 
could be a deterrent.

"I look at it as does it give my kid a chance to say no  because I'm 
afraid I might be drug tested?" Gates said.  "It's a reason to say no 
amongst their peers."

Ontario Councilman Mark Weidemyre said the committee  has talked 
about expanding the testing to any  extra-curricular programs and to 
kids parking vehicles  on school grounds.

"I think that's an important part. Then we're not just  getting the 
athletes. Kids typically do things in their  car," he said.

School Resource Officer Adam Gongwer said he's issued  several 
citations this year to Ontario students for use  of alcohol and 
marijuana on school property.

Ontario coach and teach-er John White said if drug  testing of 
students saves one life, isn't it worth it?

"Everything keeps pointing back to safety," he said.

Todd Martin, assistant high school principal, said  students were 
debating the issue of drug testing in the  cafeteria Wednesday.

"The reaction was mix-ed," he said.

On March 11, the com-mittee will report findings and  recommendations 
to the board.

Board president Mary Bennett said a public forum would  be next if 
the committee deems the issue needs further  discussion.

How the program would be funded has not been decided,  although panel 
members said Superintendent Daryl Hall  wants the program to be 
self-sufficient.

The committee will meet again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at  the Ontario 
Board of Education conference room. The  public is invited. Signs 
will be posted if the meeting  is moved to a bigger room.

Community members who have questions or concerns are  encouraged to 
call Gongwer at 419-529-3969 (ext. 1412)  or Cain at 419-747-7477.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart