By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Results from the latest drug/alcohol survey of students in Wood County may push Bowling Green City Schools closer to adopting a drug testing policy.
Bowling Green and Eastwood are currently the only hold-outs on drug testing in the county.
But the results revealed last week seem to support the district’s consideration of the testing, Superintendent Francis Scruci said during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
“The numbers are staggering,” he said of the county-wide survey.
After years of marking a steady decrease in alcohol and tobacco use among Wood County youths, the latest survey results show local students are vaping more, smoking marijuana more, plus drinking alcohol and caffeinated energy drinks more.
The biggest jump was reported in vaping – which saw a 605% increase in use among seniors. That seems to parallel Bowling Green’s experience with students, Scruci said.
The surveys also noted increases in mental health issues, including bullying and suicidal ideation.
The data was gathered last October and November from 10,196 students in grades 5 through 12 in all public schools districts in Wood County. The surveys have been conducted every two years since 2004.
Decreased use was noted for cough medicine, painkillers, barbiturates, methylphenidate, cigarettes, LSD, Ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin.
If Bowling Green proceeds with plans to test for drugs, it may be possible to get federal grant funding that will completely cover the costs, Scruci said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Board President Ginny Stewart reported on a school safety meeting held recently involving Police Chief Tony Hetrick, Deputy Chief Justin White, Scruci, Stewart and board member Norm Geer.
Earlier this year, a citizen addressed the school board, and said the district needed to have armed security on site of each building.
The police chief voiced a different opinion, Stewart said.
“He said the safety measures that have been put in place in all our buildings are very strong,” Stewart said.
The chief also reminded that he had endorsed the single community school as a step forward for safety efforts.
In other business, the board heard from:
- Conneaut teacher Paul Reinhart, representing the BG Schools Foundation, about the annual Trivia Night, to be held March 14, in the Junior Fair Building on the Wood County Fairgrounds.
- Kenwood Principal Kathleen Daney as she wished well to retiring secretary Kathy Daleska, who has also worked as a lunch cashier in the high school and recess monitor at Crim. Daney said Daleska excels at “taking care of the whole child.”
- Treasurer Cathy Schuller, who explained the district’s effort to join the Ohio Checkbook program is in limbo while the state works on combining forces with another agency on the program.
- Scruci, who listed off nearly $5,000 in donations to the district last month. More than $3,500 of that came in the form of memorials for Kathleen Ferrell. “That says a lot about our community,” he said.
- Kenwood teacher Kisha Nichols talked about the One Book BG program for all the elementaries in the city – public and private. This year’s book is “The Year of the Dog.” Family night for One Book BG is planned for Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Bowling Green Middle School.
- Colton Keefe, a member of the wrestling team, asked those at the meeting to support the team’s fundraiser by buying garbage bags.
