Residents urge review of Warren Local's student drug-testing policy

Tiffany Dowler, a resident of Warrior Drive, told the Warren Local Board of Education she is concerned about the district's drug-testing policy for students and athletes, questioning how students are randomly selected, how the process has changed, and what appeal rights exist. She said she would like "a committee to be formed to review policy."

Milt Nuzum, an Oakview Avenue resident and attorney, told the board he had read the minutes from the meeting in which the policy was approved and said many items were approved quickly. He pressed the board on why there is no option for a retest or an appeal and said students "feel bullied."

Steve Harold, who addressed the board during public participation, said the policy was created in 2019 with input from a group that included about 12 parents and that the policy is referenced on final forms, at preseason OHSAA parent meetings, and on the district website. During board discussion, Mr. Roush said the district often seeks guidance from outside organizations such as the Ohio School Boards Association; Mrs. Greenup said being on a team carries expectations that include complying with the policy.

Board staff member Kyle Scott reaffirmed that testing results are kept confidential. The Policy Committee reported it had reviewed mostly minor wording changes and that revised policies will go through two readings before final action.

The public comments left the board with specific requests for further review: several speakers asked for a formal committee or a more deliberate review of policy language and procedures, and callers pressed the board for clarity on appeals and retests. The board did not take formal action on changing the drug-testing policy at the Dec. 16 meeting.