×

Fort Frye board discusses program that teaches behavior choices

LOWER SALEM — A new abstinence-based educational program was the topic of discussion for the Fort Frye Local Board of Education during its regular meeting Wednesday night.

This new program was developed by board member Stephanie Lang. Lang said her 26 years of experience in the emergency room has shown her some of the problems in this area.

“I’ve seen an increase in drug abuse and alcohol abuse,” she said. “So many people come in needing mental health evaluations. I see a lot.”

The board made a resolution regarding the abstinence from harmful behavior, saying it will be sent to all local and state representatives including the Ohio School Boards Association in hope of gaining their support. If they get a positive reception, they will plan programming in district schools.

“We want our kids to abstain from anything that involves bad decision making,” said Superintendent Stephanie Starcher. “There used to be organizations, take DARE for example, that helped motivate kids to make the right decisions. We want to bring that back into our schools.”

Starcher noted that when people think about abstinence, they think about sex but that isn’t the only focus here.

“We are challenging all local and state officials for their support on this,” she said. “Kids have needs that aren’t always academic.”

Lang said she hopes to teach students to be abstinent from addictive behaviors.

“We believe that abstinence when encouraged daily, will decrease drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse as well as sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancies, suicide rates and dropout rates,” said board member Johnna Zalmanek.

The board plans to send out the documented resolution this week in hopes of getting a quick response.

“Stephanie is motivated by what she feels is right for the kids,” said board member Lloyd Booth. “This program is well received among us and we hope it’s well received elsewhere.”

Once the program is supported by the Ohio School Boards Association, the administration will begin planning programs to use within the schools to encourage abstinence. Lang said not a second should be wasted on implementing this.

“It’s real, it’s here and it’s time to do something,” she said.

If you go

≤ The next regular board of education meeting for Fort Frye Local Schools will be on March 16 at 4:30 p.m. at Fort Frye High School.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today