(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
GREAT LAKES … Representatives from Great Lakes Biomedical meeting with members of the Wauseon School Board to discuss the potential for student drug testing.
NJHS … Students from the Wauseon High School’s National Junior Honor Society meet with Wauseon School Board members during the November 8th meeting.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon Board of Education held their meeting on Friday, November 8th. The meeting began at 1:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving on to hear from Mrs. Hutchinson as she introduced students that participate in the National Junior Honor Society.
It was stated that this program has been going on for eleven years now and that it began with around twenty kids. Now, the program has over 70 kids, with each participating student needing a GPA of 3.5 or higher to apply.
The students volunteer their time through various activities such as ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, running the concessions stand, helping at the senior center, fostering kittens, and more.
Superintendent Armstrong thanked everyone and stated the students represent the Wauseon School District very well.
The board then heard from representatives Zach Prueter and Kyle Boris of Great Lakes Biomedical.
The organization was present at the meeting to discuss the possibility of drug testing in Wauseon Schools. This option was looked at some time ago and is once again being looked at.
It was stated that Great Lakes Biomedical serves 160 schools in Ohio and Michigan, as well as several different kinds of businesses.
The representatives also explained that several surveys that had been conducted typically show that 85% of parents are for drug testing, along with 50% of students.
Drug testing for the students would help with early detection and prevention, with multiple programs available to help with this.
These programs include a draw the line mandatory program and a simple random program. A final forms option could also be used, giving parents the opportunity to opt in for their student.
Testing for all drug types is available, including alcohol which can be tested for up to 80 hours after consumption.
The conversation also covered what testing day would look like, how the random tests work, and consequences most schools implement.
It was also stated that the school already uses the company for drug testing with school bus drivers.
With no decisions currently being made toward this end, the meeting proceeded to the approval of minutes.
Minutes from the previous board meeting were approved before moving on to hear the Treasurer’s Report. This report included a consent agenda, with the following items being approved by the board.
A list of the September 2024 monthly billing and financial reports, a list of donations made to the school, a list of change fund increases, a list of FY 2025 appropriations, and the updated five-year forecast.
The treasurer’s report was then approved by the board, before also approving the following Superintendents report and consent agenda. A list of several personnel recommendations, an overnight trip request, and the 2024 consolidated school report.
The overnight trip will consist of Wauseon High School FFA students traveling to Dublin, Ohio for the Connect/I am Leadership Conference from January 18th, 2025, through January 19th, 2025.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:04 p.m.
