By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Board of Education members heard Tuesday from Superintendent Francis Scruci that it’s time to revisit the idea for drug testing of students. And they heard from off-duty Bowling Green Police Sgt. Paul Tyson that it’s past time to have armed security at schools.
Scruci said he would like to see an ad-hoc committee of two board members to meet with parents of student athletes to start talking about a drug testing program.
“It’s something we’ve talked about in the past, and it’s something we should take a strong look at,” he said.
Bowling Green City Schools has been one of the hold-outs in the county for student drug testing – with Eastwood being the only other district in Wood County that doesn’t conduct drug testing.
Testing is done with kids in extra-curriculars because attending school is a right, but participating in athletics or other activities is a privilege.
Last week, several K9 units performed a sweep of both the middle school and high school. One student was charged with having alcohol, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
“We’re not naive enough to think that drugs and alcohol aren’t being used by our students,” Scruci said. “We’re trying to send a message that we don’t want them in our school.”
Last week, the district hosted a program called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” designed to help parents and school staff learn how kids are trying to hide drugs and alcohol use.
“We’re kidding ourselves if we think it’s not happening,” the superintendent said.
Also at Tuesday’s board meeting, Scruci addressed the district’s handling of the “list” made by a high school student that concerned other students. The high school administration talked to the concerned students and reported the issue to Bowling Green Police Division.
The police contacted the parent of the student who had stated he had a “list” and after searching the student’s room, a list with names was found. The list did not have any other information and was not titled. The police found no evidence that this “list” was a credible threat to the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Scruci said he was disturbed to learn that on Facebook some adults were referring to the list as a “hit list” or a “kill list.” He stressed that police found no evidence of that.
Scruci praised the students who reported their concerns, and urged students and parents to continue doing so.
“It’s great that someone stepped forward and reported it,” he said.
Later in the meeting, during time for public comments, the board was criticized for not providing armed security at Bowling Green’s schools.
Tyson admonished the board for not following up on some recommendations he offered the district nearly two years ago. He had suggested that the district needs an “armed presence” through part-time police or military, and training of teachers so they could carry firearms in school. He also suggested that the district then put big signs in front of the schools stating that the building is defended by firearms – discouraging any potential shooters, he said.
Tyson, who stressed that he was not speaking on behalf of his employer – Bowling Green Police Division – listed off some incidents that were potential threats to the local schools. He talked about an alum of the district who posted on social media that he wanted a Sandy Hook type of tragedy, about a suicidal man who was tracked through his cell phone to City Park, and about the “list” from last week.
“You’re running out of second chances,” Tyson told the board. “If it does happen, and you haven’t taken precautions, I will have zero problem getting up here and saying, ‘I told you so.’”
In the cases of the potential threats he listed, precautions were taken, but it was determined by the police division that no risks existed.
As he wrapped up his comments, Tyson pointed at the on-duty police officer standing at the back of the board meeting.
“Why don’t kids deserve protection, but you do?” he said.
