JERRY CITY – Elmwood Board of Education members expressed support Monday for
continuing to drug test athletes, despite grant funding no longer being
available to fund it.
"I like the message it sends to all athletes," said Board President Brian
King.
Superintendent Tony Borton told board members the cost to continue drug testing sport
participants and cheerleaders would be $6,000 to $7,000 for the upcoming school
year. The cost would include an initial drug test for all athletes plus random
testing.
Previously, athlete drug testing had been paid for at county schools through a grant
received by the Wood County Educational Service Center. The grant expired this
summer.
"A lot of schools are saying no money, no testing," Borton said.
Board members and Borton expressed support for drug testing and said while it can’t
prevent all students from using, it can bolster support for students who need an
out for saying no.
Borton said in the last few years, there has only been one positive test.
The board did not pass a resolution to fund drug testing, but legislation is expected
at its next meeting.
Also at Monday’s meeting, board members discussed the possibility of community use of
the new track.
"I don’t think we are ready to say yes or no yet," Borton said.
"We are not opposed … We are just not ready to commit," he said.
Borton suggested before making a decision the board study how many people are
interested in using the track and also look into how the area could be secured.

"I think the right idea is to let them use it, but the question is how do we
secure it," said board member Trent Snowden.
Board member Jeff Chapman said, "Our most important job is protecting the
track."
Ryan Lee, board member, said he opposed community use of the track.
"If I had to make a decision today, it would be no," he said.
Following discussion, board members agreed to hold off on a decision. Chapman also
asked Borton to talk with other districts which allow community use of their
tracks to get some feedback.
"We can look and see how many people are truly interested and approach us
wanting to use the track," King said.
"I think we have enough alternatives right now until we make a decision."