Strongsville to start randomly drug testing some middle, high school students

STRONGSVILLE , Ohio (WJW) – As Strongsville students prepare to return to school on Monday, August 19, the district is sharing details about a new mandatory drug testing program.

The random testing will apply only to students in the 6th through 12th grades who participate in sports or other extracurriculars, and/or those with driving privileges.

“So if you’re an athlete or in a club or music group or drive to and from school, those are the students that will be put in a pool. They’ll be randomized and part of the group that could be drug tested,” said Superintendent Cameron Ryba.

It comes after months of extensive discussions with the Strongsville Board of Education and focus groups in which he says parents were encouraged to participate.

“It is something we’ve been talking about for a little bit,” said Ryba. “Other neighboring districts have had it for a while.”

Great Lakes Biomedical will be handling the program and using a five panel test that can detect THC, nicotine, alcohol and other substances at the district’s discretion.

The tests cost about $20 and will be paid for out of the district’s general fund.

Parents will be called first if there is a “non-negative” result.

Students will be given the option of either entering into a diversion program or sitting out a percentage of the activity as part of a partial suspension.

Additional offenses will lead to escalating penalties.

“However, it’s not until later that they would lose participation for a school year or permanently, but that would be excessive use over and over again,” said Ryba.

The program is not meant as punishment, he says, but to help students after seeing a rise in substance abuse in recent years.

“Student truly are battling with addiction,” said Ryba. “We’re seeing 8th and 9th graders that are ‘using’ on a daily basis.”

Test results will be private and protected. They will also not be kept in the student’s file or on their permanent record.

“ We will not keep a record of the results in student files,” he said. “It will not impact any education or it will not impact any school based consequences because we believe that’s important as well.”

Ryba admits they have received mixed reactions from parents, but he says the program truly is designed to encourage healthier choices and to partner with parents in supporting children who might have a problem.

“We are all in it together to do the best we can for our kids in Strongsville,” Ryba said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.