Wayne Local Schools drug-testing students

Wayne Local Schools have joined a list of Ohio school districts requiring athletes and other students to submit to drug testing.

The this, the Waynesville High School marching band was being tested, joining more than 200 student-athletes participating in fall sports who have already passed the test.

A Dayton Daily News survey of districts in Montgomery, Warren, Greene, Clark and Butler counties found only Waynesville so far had instituted a student drug-testing program. According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s latest survey, sent to school districts in May 2014, 22 percent of responding school districts had “some form of student drug testing.”

Brandon Philpot, district athletic director and Spartan football team head coach, said, “We want to hold these kids to a higher standard.”

The testing is to be paid for through the district’s general fund, although discretionary funds from area hospitals will likely be used to offset the costs. In the long run, Treasurer Ron James said the athletic department and donations would be expected to help finance the testing.

The first round of testing cost $4,400 and the district anticipates spending $12,000 to $16,000 on the program this year, James said.

Earlier this month, 205 student athletes submitted urine samples for the screening.

“Everyone passed. That’s really encouraging,” said Brooke Lezotte, a senior who competes in soccer and track.