SHELBY, Ohio – A plan to begin random drug testing is in motion at Shelby High School, gathering support from both students and parents in Shelby.
After a large drug sweep within the city of Shelby in September 2014, Police Chief Charlie Roub, then-mayor Marilyn John, Superintendent Tim Tarvin and Principal John Gies agreed it was time to start thinking about a random drug testing policy at the high school.
“We know there’s a problem in town, and if there’s a problem in town there’s going to be a problem in the school, there’s no way around it,” said Gies. “When kids are on drugs they’re only focused on drugs, so if we can get kids to stop thinking about that and focus on school we’re going to be better off overall.”
According to a survey administered by Gies of about 400 high school students, 50 percent of the students surveyed said they were in favor of random drug testing. Gies said 25 percent of the students surveyed were against random drug testing, and 25 percent were undecided.
In addition, 161 parents of both middle school and high school parents were surveyed; 82 percent said they were in favor of random drug testing, 18 percent were against.
Gies noted he was not surprised by the results in a school where many of his students self-report when they suspect their classmates may have drugs. He estimated in more than 90 percent of incidents where drugs are found on a student, it’s because of another student reporting the problem.
“They don’t want it either,” said Gies. “And that’s the part I think we have to run with, if kids are telling us and we don’t do something, they’re going to stop telling us. And it’s just going to be more rampant.”
According to Gies and Chief Roub, marijuana is a substance often found at the high school level, along with prescription drugs.
“The drug problem in Shelby is no worse than anywhere else,” said Roub. “And contrary to popular belief, the biggest drug problem we have is not heroin – it’s prescription drugs. They’re easy to abuse and easy to obtain. That’s something you’re more likely to turn up at that age level than you would heroin.”
And according to Gies, 70 percent of students using prescription drugs are supplementing their habit from their parents.
“If you ask our kids they would tell you, if somebody wanted to get alcohol or drugs they know where to go and how to get it. They go to their medicine cabinets,” said Gies. “Parents are providing drugs and alcohol for their kids. Parents are buying them, and they’re using them sometimes with their kids. And I’m thinking wow, that’s a hill to overcome.”
Gies has examined the policies of neighboring schools including Bellevue, Norwalk and Ontario, with the goal of instituting a random drug testing policy at Shelby High School starting this fall for the 2015-2016 school year. Roub cautioned that when studying other policies, it’s important to bring to Shelby a policy that works for similar districts and school populations.
“If you going to do it you need to do it in a way that’s fair, where you’re not violating anyone’s rights by doing it, and it has to be across the board,” said Roub. “Anybody that tests positive regardless of the situation has to be treated in the same way as any other person. You have to apply the policy equally.”
But as Gies noted, random drug testing isn’t enough.
“If the goal is to get kids to stop using drugs, or not use them in the first place, it can’t be just drug testing,” he said. “If we don’t do something to involve kids, parents and the community – activities and education – then we’re really not doing what we need to do.”
Discussions are in motion to institute a treatment plan for students who do test positive for drugs, and a reward system for students who test clean. In addition to the school, Gies is looking to the community to help institute drug-free and alcohol-free activities for students. The district is also in the process of looking toward the state of Ohio’s free tip line, all in an effort to create a safe, encouraging environment for Shelby students.
“The positive school climate of your building has to be the number one thing you take a look at,” said Gies. “We’ve spent some time this year talking about that, but we need to do more.”
The goal of creating a positive school climate is a large reason why Gies surveyed the students for their opinion on random drug testing, instead of simply implementing a policy.
“Students need to feel like they have a say in this,” he said. “I think the more you involve them, the better likelihood of success. You need that perspective. We have kids who tell us when there are issues going on, we respect their opinions on a lot of things.”
Shelby has also formed a committee of coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, parents, students, administrators and board members to address the random drug testing policy. Gies said the committee will meet twice before the next Shelby Board of Education meeting in March to understand the process of drug testing and discuss who will be tested – will the group include extracurricular groups, co-curricular groups, etc.
“We’re not allowed to just test the entire student body,” Gies explained. “The idea would be to throw the net as wide as you can; you try and cover as many people as you can. How wide it goes is not just my decision. And some districts have also included an opt-in policy for parents – if you’re not in any activity, parents can say I want my kid thrown into that pool as well.”
It’s a large project to tackle, but one Gies feels is of the utmost importance to his students.
“I think in the end the benefits will outweigh all the negatives that go with it,” he said. “Anything we can do to help our kids get off drugs if they’re on them, or stay away from them if they’re not, is a battle worth fighting.”
“I think in the end the benefits will outweigh all the negatives that go with it,” Principal John Gies said. “Anything we can do to help our kids get off drugs if they’re on them, or stay away from them if they’re not, is a battle worth fighting.”
