STUDENT VEHICLES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO SEARCHES IF SUSPICIOUS

Student vehicles on school district property could now be searched if
it is believed the search will provide evidence that a school rule is
being violated.

School trustees made changes to the new drug policy and the search and
seizure policy on Monday which would allow administrators to search
student vehicles.

Trustee Uultsje De Jong said administrators would ask students to
unlock their vehicles for the search, students will be told the reason
for the search, the search will take place in a private area, and a
second adult will be present. Reasonable attempts will be made to
contact the student's parents or guardian prior to the search.

"It could happen tomorrow, but it probably won't happen until
September," said De Jong.

De Jong first publicly indicated his desire to look at searching
vehicles on school property in March, when school trustees officially
approved a policy that allows for drug-sniffing dogs to check for
drugs in school lockers.

The policy also outlines steps for prevention, including consistent
education around the district on drug issues, intervention and
rehabilitation.