PUBLIC SPLIT ON BENEFIT OF DRUG DOG AT SCHOOL

Kaukauna Board Holds Its First Hearing Tonight

KAUKAUNA - Until a better drug policy comes along, the use of trained
canine units to conduct drug searches on school grounds must be considered.

That view is offered by Amy Hopfensperger of Neenah, whose vehicle was
mistakenly thought to have had drugs six years ago in Neenah.

"It's the years when people might struggle saying no (to drugs), but
if you're going to bring in dogs, you've got to have sensitive
policies, or you may as well stick with your old procedures," said
Hopfensperger.

The Kaukauna Board of Education is slated to hold its first hearing on
the potential use of drug-sniffing dogs at 6 p.m. today. A second
hearing is scheduled two weeks later and could be followed by the
board's final decision.

While some parents and students look at the policy as another tool in
the drug prevention program, others think there are
alternatives.

In 1998, Hopfensperger, then a Neenah High School junior, supported
the school's drug dog policy, but when the vehicle she drove to
school, registered in her mother's name, was one of 35 vehicles that
got "hit," she had second thoughts.

"When they got done doing their search, they never said they were
sorry or thanked me for not having anything. You get no sympathy," she
said.

Neenah High School has since made revisions to its procedures and
still uses the policy because it helps create a safe culture,
according to Principal Mark Duerwaechter.

Kasey Knott, a Kaukauna High School senior, said if the Kaukauna
school board wants to adopt an effective drug policy, it should
consider random drug testing instead.

Some Kaukauna parents feel the drug dog policy would protect their
children.

"I just don't see this as a threat to one's privacy," said Greg
Hoffman, the parent of two high school students. "If you have nothing
to hide, why should you be offended by the whole issue? If the policy
can deter one teenager from using drugs, it's worth it."

Another parent, Richie Magnuson, said he hopes the school board
rejects the measure.

"Don't we have better things to look in to than walking dogs through
the parking lot? What we need to do is improve drug prevention
programs and get more parental involvement. The best prevention
methods start at home," he said.