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Boardman schools approve new drug testing policy
The Boardman School Board has unanimously approved a new drug testing policy.

The Boardman School Board has unanimously approved a new drug testing policy.
Beginning next fall, high school students who take part in extra curricular activities including athletics, and students who drive to school will be required to pass a drug test before being allowed to play or drive onto school property.
Students will then be subject to random drug testing throughout the school year.
"The whole goal of our committee was to not hurt students, we want to keep them involved in extra circular activities, we want to keep them involved in school life but we want to help them make better decisions in their life," said Superintendent Frank Lazzeri.
The testing will be done using hair samples.
The new policy is estimated to cost the district between $25-35,000 each year. The district is seeking sponsors, such as different community agencies, to help fund the program.
"Recently we had some money rebated to us form healthcare that money has been earmarked to put into this program," said Lazzeri.
Any retesting for a student who fails the initial drug test, will have to be paid for by the parent, before a student is allowed to play or drive on school property.
School officials hope parents will view the mandatory drug testing as a way to help students. Lazzeri estimates 60-70% of the student body will be affected by the policy.