STUDENT DRUG BUST SHOCKS EDUCATORS

Using undercover officers to catch student drug dealers in Alamance County
high schools was a measure that surprised and shocked some Triad educators
and law enforcement officials.

"I admire their courage because they knew going into this they could and
would get some negative press," said Anita Sharpe, vice chairwoman of the
Guilford County Board of Education. "But I think the positive outcome
overrides any negative press that you might get."

A five-month undercover investigation ended Wednesday with the arrest of 50
Alamance-Burlington high school students on charges of selling illegal and
prescription drugs. School officials initiated the investigation because of
reports of increasing drug use on campuses and survey results that showed
the community's growing concern over the situation.

Sgt. David Moore, who oversees Greensboro police officers stationed in
Guilford County schools, said he doesn't recall any other local school
system going to such lengths in his 17 years on the force.

"In my opinion, that was a pretty unique thing that they did," said Moore.

He said he couldn't comment on whether his department would conduct such an
operation with Guilford County Schools. That would be a decision between
his superiors and school officials, Moore said.

"We've discussed things in the department and that's as far as I can
(say)," he said.

Moore and Sharpe both said the district has dealt with drug-dealing
students in the past, although not to the extent that Alamance-Burlington did.

"Schools are simply a reflection of our community," Sharpe said. "And as
long as there are illegal drugs and legal drugs being sold in the streets
in our communities, we're going to have drugs in our schools."

According to an annual state report on school crime and violence, drug
possession ranks consistently in the top three offenses. The report tracks
only possession of a controlled substance, not intent to sell. Possession
of a weapon and assault on school personnel are the other two most-reported
offenses.

Last school year, drug possession was the top offense, making up 38 percent
of the 8,493 incidents reported statewide by school systems. Alcohol is
reported separately.

In Guilford County, 41 percent of its offenses were drug-related.
Cumberland County, which includes Fayetteville and is most comparable in
size to Guilford, reported only 25 percent of its offenses as drug related.

News of the Alamance-Burlington arrests had local districts re-evaluating
their own situations this week.

"Every school district is just different," said Russ Gobble, executive
director of student services for Randolph County Schools. "If they
recognized it as a problem at their school system I'm sure they took the
actions they felt appropriate for their system."

He said such a decision in Randolph schools would be left up to the school
board and administrators.

"I was sort of shocked that they did that," said Wayne Kirkman, chairman of
the Rockingham County Board of Education. But, he added, administrators
have to do what's necessary to make schools safe. However, he doubts
Rockingham would go to such lengths.

"I don't think we have that problem," he said. "I've had people say that
they know people are selling in the school, but nobody's ever just called
me and gotten on me about it."

Last year, 53 percent of Rockingham's reportable offenses on the state
school crime and violence report were drug-related. The next-highest Triad
county was Davidson, where 50 percent of offenses were for drug possession.

"We have not had concerns that were presented to our office," after the
Alamance-Burlington arrests, said Meredith Palmer, spokeswoman for Davidson
County Schools.

The district employs many techniques to ensure safety in the schools, she said.

"Canine officers are brought in periodically throughout the school year and
we try to keep sensitive eyes and ears to things that are said and done,"
Palmer said. "The schools are the real world and you have to be aware of
your environment."

Officials with Randolph County Schools said they have not seen a rise in
their drug-related incidents that would make them take an action such as
Alamance-Burlington did.

"But we're not so naive to think that some of our students aren't
involved," Gobble said.

Students don't seem to be talking about the arrests, but adults are, he said.

"I think our initial reaction always is sort of a sad feeling, simply that
students would make these decisions at this age that would affect the rest
of their lives," Gobble said. "I'm hoping the best for all those young
people. I hope they learn a lesson. I hope it's all for the better."

Sharpe takes that wish a step further.

"I hope that that sends a message to children not just here, but all over
the United States," she said. "I hope this gets some national press, to
deter the marketing of drugs in schools."