Scott Guappone is a parent of three kids who all go to the McKinley Elementary School. In last Monday’s board meeting of Lisbon schools, he spoke to the people and clearly expressed that he is not in favor of school drug testing programs. “I think that it’d be more of a problem for the community than a solution,” he says.
By this, he pointed out the fact that kids today usually go for alcohol or pills as their top choices for substance abuse. Unfortunately, when alcohol or pills are taken into the body, no sign or traces are left after 48 hours from the time they were taken. If this is the case, Guappone tells the board that testing will only be effective if done on a regular basis, but this could mean additional cost which will put a toll on their district’s budget.
Earlier in July, the school board planned to adopt a policy of drug testing for students to help motivate kids to stay away from drugs and ensure they remain sober at all times, especially school athletes.
Guappone’s reasoning did not sit well with Board member Jeff Elliot who initiated the drug testing program. He says that so far, all he has been receiving are positive feedbacks with regards to the proposal.
But Gusappone may have found an ally in another Board member, Gene Gallo. Gallo says Guappone’s participation is a welcome feedback which represents the public’s participation on the issue.
Board president Jim Smith says that they have yet to decide on the drug testing proposal. A lot of factors will still be discussed on their next meeting set on September 12.
Tags: Lisbon drug testing, McKinley school drug testing, school drug testing, student athletes drug test, student drug testing
