OFFICIALS ON LOOKOUT FOR DRUGS IN SCHOOLS

Wayne County Public Schools is stepping up efforts to help create safe
and drug-free schools, officials say.

In recent years, safety measures have been revamped and updated
regularly -- expanding staff training and affiliation with such local
agencies as the Sheriff's Office.

Over the summer, administrators and safety coordinators began
providing the Board of Education with a school safety update to keep
them apprised of existing safety programs and regular updates on
measures being taken to ensure security.

With the start of a new school year, efforts have been increased, said
Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of schools.

Last week, Wayne County Sheriff's Office conducted the first of many
random searches that will be done in schools around the county this
year. Deputies checked cars at Southern Wayne and Spring Creek high
schools for drugs or weapons that were readily visible. Drug dogs were
also used to sniff out possible drugs that could be hidden in vehicles
or lockers. The search netted one student, at Southern Wayne, charged
with simple possession of marijuana found in a vehicle. The student
will also face disciplinary action at the school.

"It is always disappointing when students bring items that are illegal
or against school policy on to our campuses," Taylor said. "But the
message is clear. If a student is caught in possession of any weapon
or drugs on our campuses, they will be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law, as well as face disciplinary actions in accordance
to board policy." Safety of students and staff is tantamount, he
added. Working with law enforcement agencies, even if it means random
searches at middle and high schools, has become an necessity, he said.

"We also plan to increase the use of metal detectors on our campuses,
by having our high schools set (them) up periodically throughout the
year," he added. Chris Barnes, security coordinator for the district,
said high school principals and the Sheriff's Office had worked
jointly on a plan for running the drug dogs through the schools. There
are also plans to meet with school resource officers to address their
concerns at the individual schools. "Students may not know when we are
coming to their schools to set up metal detectors or to do random
searches, but we are coming," said Allen Smith, safety coordinator.
"We are also working with schools to build upon existing safety
programs, to better promote student safety inside and outside the classroom."

Parent support for the efforts, as well as the community's, will be
appreciated, Taylor said. He said the Parent Advisory Councils at
individual schools are also an important piece of the puzzle in
getting the word out. An additional security measure implemented at
six of the 33 schools this year is the "Higher Standard Dress Code."
At a recent school board meeting, Chairwoman Shirley Sims said while
it may seem like just a change in wearing apparel, safety prompted the
effort.

School system employees already have photo ID badges, as do teachers
and staff, making it easier to differentiate between visitors and
employees. With the addition of the uniform policy for students, it
becomes that much simpler to spot those who are not students, Ms. Sims
said. Being proactive with regards to safety is imperative, Barnes
said. "We must be ever vigilant in working to ensure students safely
receive their education without fear or interruption," he said "We are
grateful for the (school) board's support, as well as the Wayne County
Sheriff's Department's assistance in our efforts.

"It is our hope that the increased presence of law enforcement and use
of metal detectors on our campuses, will help create safe and
drug-free learning environments for our students."