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Marysville school board members voted 4-0 Wednesday, Sept. 23, to take an official stance against legalizing marijuana.Ohio voters are being asked to weigh in on state Issue 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The proposal would create a constitutional amendment to legalize medicinal and personal use of marijuana statewide.
Board member Brian Luke abstained from voting on the resolution to oppose Issue 3. He said he has the highest respect for the education efforts being made by the community and schools, and he does not use marijuana or affiliate with any of the lobbying groups.
"I'm not in support of this resolution, but I'd like to explain my position so it's not misconstrued," he said. "The reason I don't support this resolution is I don't think this issue is about children or about education."
Luke said the legislation does not affect policies for drug use in the workplace or regulate drug testing. It is an amendment about marijuana use by adults, he said.
"So for me, I don't want to take a position as a school board member on a political issue that is not about children or education," he said.
Superintendent Diane Mankins said it is an important issue for the community to be educated about, and she urged parents to review the proposal in its entirety prior to casting a vote at the polls.
"Certainly, as a school district, we are concerned with the increased availability to our students and the marketing/packaging of marijuana in a variety of forms," she said.
Board members who supported the resolution said their concerns are shared by the Ohio School Boards Association and other groups, including children's health advocates, law enforcement personnel, addiction counselors and faith leaders who also oppose Issue 3.
If passed, the amendment would allow more than 1,100 retail stores to sell marijuana in the form of cigarettes, liquids, sprays and edibles, including baked goods and candy, school officials said.
Board member Amy Powers cited a report of a college student who consumed a marijuana cookie and became so inebriated he jumped from his dorm room window and died.
"The risk to our youth is products that mimic other products, like they now are putting out 'Pot-Tarts' to mimic Pop-Tarts. They are now also doing candy bars, suckers and gummy bears that look exactly like the real thing," she said.
In other school news:
* Mankins said enrollment numbers for the 2015-16 school year have been finalized. There are now 5,243 students in the district, up 195 from last year.
She also said there are 42 students attending through open enrollment. This is the first year the district has offered open enrollment for students living outside Marysville district boundaries.
"At this point, open enrollment appears to be going well," Mankins said.
* Board members voted 5-0 to recognize and support October as Manufacturing Month.
"The manufacturing industry is essential to Union County," Mankins said.
Approximately 33 percent of all county employment comes from manufacturing, according to the legislation.
One million vehicles are produced in Ohio each year, with one-third assembled at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.
The month recognizes many of the world-renowned manufacturing companies based in Union County, including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., Parker Hannifin, Univenture and Honda of America.
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