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JC School Board to consider drug dogs

By Bob Watson
bwatson@newstribune.com
Published: Sunday, September 13, 2009 11:22 AM CDT
Jefferson City's School Board members will be asked Tuesday to approve a policy change, so that administrators can use dogs, if necessary, to help with searches for drugs in school buildings.

"The policy's already there," Superintendent Brian Mitchell said last week, "and we probably could have used the drug dog without tweaking it.

"But this just makes it very clear."

Mitchell asked for the change last month, noting that Jefferson City's Police have a new drug dog and the Cole County Sheriff's Department also has one.

Most of Tuesday evening's meeting will focus on "Opening of School" reports.

"Everything went very well," Mitchell said. "We've got over 200 new kids this year, so we had (unexpected) 'bubbles.'

"We added four kindergarten teachers the week before ... the first day of school, (and we added) a couple of other classroom teachers across the district."

Overall, he said, the district has about 100 new employees, many of them replacing teachers and staff members who retired after the last school year.

He acknowledged the district still is dealing with some transportation issues, although things are much smoother now than when classes began Aug. 19.

Parents driving children to school during the first week -- increasing traffic around the buildings -- caused some of the problems, he said.

"And three secondary schools all dismiss at the same time, and the buses need to be at the same places at the same time," he said.

Jefferson City High School's change in dismissal time created that problem, because it now ends the day at the same time as the Simonsen Ninth Grade Center and Lewis and Clark Middle School.

Elementary Director Kathy Foster will report on both elementary and early childhood programs.

"We have large kindergarten classes," Mitchell said. "And we have over 200 new families that 'Parents As Teachers' has enrolled."

Mitchell said he's visited with many district employees, and with patrons around the community, and "I've heard more comments about this being one of the best starts to the school year than I have heard anything else."

The superintendent said he will explain to the board his naming study committees, to look at:

* The area's demographic growth.

* Transportation scheduling.

* Special permissions policies for transfers among elementary schools, "especially in light of the fact we've seen our enrollment grow 300 students over the last two years."

* A data warehouse to "allow us to better analyze our data (and) target more specifically areas that we want to evaluate."

* A review of the district's safety and security plans, especially since there's a new elementary building and renovations to the 11 other grade school buildings.

The monthly meeting is being held Tuesday night, to accommodate board members and district employees who are playing in the Helias Foundation's annual fundraising golf tournament Monday.

Tuesday's meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with a new feature, Mitchell said: "We will ask students to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

"We'll have kindergartners from South School leading the Pledge (this month), and that's something we're going to try to do every month -- to invite a student or a student group to do that."



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JCHSStudent wrote on Dec 14, 2009 10:49 AM:

" You people that sit here all day and talk about these issuses let me tell you, you need to get a life. On the fact of a drug dog's in JCHS i agree i am a current student there and i belive it would help crack down on drugs, if any of you came into our school and saw the disrespect and the drug activity you would actually understand. If a student wanted I bet he/she could find any type of narcotic they wanted in the school or have it here within a day or two. You think its the students fault for the drug activity? I agree it is to a degree but i would also look to the parents as well. "

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misshoneybee wrote on Sep 23, 2009 2:44 PM:

" Cherokee--That's great. Nice to know that your child got proper assistance throughout his/her illness and still came out ahead. smile! "

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ndnlvngcherokee wrote on Sep 23, 2009 12:29 PM:

" misshoneybee the end result was a child who ended up better understanding the work in front of him. He is now an honor roll student in another school district. It helped him more than most would ever know.
And TheRickster sometimes things are brought up by a topic that is at hand and questions get asked and others answer. My theory is if someone doesnt like what someone else is writing or talking about ignore it and move on you dont have to read it. "

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TheRickster wrote on Sep 22, 2009 10:45 PM:

" Why do you people make some of these your own chat rooms? This thread is about "drug dogs" "

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misshoneybee wrote on Sep 22, 2009 7:35 PM:

" Cherokee--You didn't answer my question--What was the end result? Did the teacher that was supplied work out? How did your child do in school after returning? "

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ndnlvngcherokee wrote on Sep 22, 2009 7:31 AM:

" In the work force a person is allowed 12 weeks of FMLA to be used to help with your own serious illness lasting 3 or more days (do not need to be in a row), birth of a child, or to help with a family member with a serious illness. FMLA makes sure you do not lose your job due to an illness or helping with an illness of a family member. You do have to have a medical notice from a qualifying health professional. The other form is FMLA for military. All you have to do is put it in the search engine to find more information. "

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hmarie775 wrote on Sep 21, 2009 9:46 PM:

" Apt 101, I wouldn't be so sure about the drugs being just as bad in a private school as a public. At Helias ALL students are subject to random drug tests, not just the jocks. "

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Ms64 wrote on Sep 21, 2009 8:33 PM:

" I say bring on the drug tests for the state employees. I don't have anything to hide. Heck, this just might be the thing that needs to be done to cut back on expenses. At the same time any higher ups that don't get popped-lets let them work for a salary that better meets their qualifications. Everyone knows with the state it's the lower paid employees who do all the work and have all the know how to get the job down. Not the management sitting around trying to come up with new ideas to make it look as if they know their jobs. "

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CoorsLight wrote on Sep 21, 2009 7:28 PM:

" State employees are subject to urine drops (drug testing). MSHP are state employees and are not excluded. "

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TheRickster wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:35 PM:

" And we are running dogs through the school for drugs? Why worry,, when does the police, highway patrol men, and other critical employees still never take a drug test?
The trash truck drivers take a urine test so why are the police immune? Judges and all?? "

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ap101 wrote on Sep 21, 2009 3:34 PM:

" I agree the school needs to focus on academics. But lets be realistic parents today are not invovled enough in there childrens lives. So many young kids get into the troble that they get into because parents are not INVOLVED! And I give props to the school district to be honest for trying to do the things parents should be doing. I don't know why everyone one compares public to private schools because quit kidding yourselves you will find just as much drugs and whatever else in a private school as you do a public school. "

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Ms64 wrote on Sep 21, 2009 2:36 PM:

" ndnlvngcherokee - how many times do you get to use that FMLA in a year? Sounds like you know how that system is worked. "

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misshoneybee wrote on Sep 21, 2009 12:19 PM:

" ndnlvingcherokee--What was the end result? Did the teacher that was supplied work out? How did your child do in school after returning? "

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ndnlvngcherokee wrote on Sep 21, 2009 12:15 PM:

" To answer the question on a child with a serious illness...FMLA...you have a doctor write up a note for homebound then the school board must supply a homebound teacher and the student does not fall behind because they are given an amount of time to keep up on certain work. And before anyone says I dont know what Im talking about my son was homebound for a serious illness throughout his 8th grade year from November - June. And as far as having drug dogs in the school I say way to go. Why do parents seem so worried about the fight against drugs. Is your child or yourself using? "

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misshoneybee wrote on Sep 21, 2009 12:08 PM:

" Sickle cell anemia would be a disease that could care a student to miss a large number of days, wouldn't it, lorilu71? "

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lorilu71 wrote on Sep 21, 2009 11:21 AM:

" boscoe-nobody said that was missed all at once....15 days throughout the entire year....and my ? was what if they have a serious illness? or some illness that may be recurring? "

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boscoe wrote on Sep 19, 2009 12:03 PM:

" 3 weeks absence means the kid misses ONE-THIRD of that quarter! How could a student keep up with that much absence unless there was no rigor in the curriculum. At some point absence means the kid is going to need to repeat those courses. "

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boscoe wrote on Sep 19, 2009 12:01 PM:

" Most business/Industry - employees would lose their jobs after 5-6 absences in a year, regardless of reason. "

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lorilu71 wrote on Sep 18, 2009 11:04 PM:

" limerick54....what if the child has a severe illness that requires more absences than 15? "

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limerick54 wrote on Sep 18, 2009 9:42 PM:

" The absence thing is simple to fix: Each student is allowed 10 absences a semester. It doesn't matter if they are "excused" or "unexcused" by the parent. After 10, no make up work is allowed. After 15, legal action should be taken against the parent.

That'd make it clear and easy. "

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hmarie775 wrote on Sep 15, 2009 3:48 PM:

" My kids don't go to JC public schools but if they implemented a policy like that jh, I'd sure be upset about it too! If a kid has a cold or cramps or just doesn't feel well it should be the parent's choice to send their kid to school or not that day. That's outrageous that they think they can "require" a medical note from a doctor. Why waste money and the dr's time sending a kid to the doctor for a cold they can't even get treatment for since there is no treatment for a cold. I'm not sure they can legally require a note from a doctor...are you going to challenge this? I sure would!!! "

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jh wrote on Sep 15, 2009 3:24 PM:

" limerick, I agree with you. Especially the part where the only reason not to attend is personal or spiritual. I have spoke to many in our community who will not let their kids attend out of fear or lack of safety for that child. That should be where the school admin focus should be. Open up the schools so that it is a safer environment for all there. They should address real problem in their scope of responsibility. And most important address real problems with real solutions. Right now I see a lot of symptomatic treatment of problem that lack any type of substance to really address and resolve the problems...ie the English Department involved in medical care. "

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jh wrote on Sep 15, 2009 3:18 PM:

" hmarie, I agree with you, if there is a will, then usually there is a way. But not always. Waiting, there sure would be a lot less people in the world if people approached it the way you did. But then, there are also those who are now facing financial difficulties because of the recession, disabilities, death of a spouse or significant illness in the family. Many people start off believing that they have positioned them selves in financially stable way and can start a family. However, life happens, financial impacts occur and can be devastating. Even for the most sound of plans having a family has its inherent risks that are usually unforeseen. "

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limerick54 wrote on Sep 15, 2009 2:43 PM:

" Do whatever is needed to make the public schools safe enough and demanding enough that the only reason to not attend the public schools would be personal/spiritual preference. Of course, that might require actual WORK on the part of the JC admin and buy-in from the teachers. Of course, teachers that don't buy-in dont' have to be re-employed. . tenured teachers aren't THAT tough to fire if the admin is worth a hoot. "

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waitingontheend wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:53 PM:

" You know what if you can't afford to properly take care of a kid then don't have them. It is that simple. I hate it when people have a bunch of kids then whine how they struggle to make ends meet. The problem is people have these kids then can't afford them then the kid pays the price. I have no kids, you know why, because when I was younger we knew we could not afford to give a child financial support that they required. So we did without. Now, I could afford 10 but hindsight is 20/20. We did the right thing and if others would do the right thing then there would be no kids inpoverty. "

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hmarie775 wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:31 PM:

" Not necessarily true that "poor kids" are excluded from private schools. Most of those schools have scholarships, financial aid and other programs available if you really want your child to get a private school education, there are ways around the tuition fees if you just ask. "

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jh wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:22 PM:

" I understand the people are excluded from private schools for financial reasons. That truly is the nature of the beast. Not so for public schools. If we as a community simply accept that our public schools exclude people and make punitive rules that impact the poor, then that is our fault. These are our schools. The Board of Education and administration are simply stewards of JCPS for the community. They do not own it, we do. We must stand united to ensure that our children are not left behind on the basis of finances. Rules that are punitive for a sick child or excludes a child for financial reasons have no place at JCPS. "

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jh wrote on Sep 15, 2009 1:13 PM:

" I have no problems with drug dogs in schools. The thing I am concerned about is the blurring of roles at JCPS. They are over extending themselves by focusing on issues other then teaching our children. Let the parents, doctors and state address issues that are in their scope of responsibility. Let JCPS refocus itself on all aspects of teaching our children. If there are problems, address the problem by listening to the entity that has the scope of responsibility. If the English department feels a child's absences are excessive and the parent has not been responsible, pass that concern to the state and let the investigators handle it. JCPS should refocus on their core concerns, teaching-our-children. "

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RockyV wrote on Sep 15, 2009 10:32 AM:

" Drug dogs in schools are no big deal, and not new news. Cole County has been using dogs in their schools for awhile now. Jh your right it is child neglect under state law if you child has excessive absences, you can also be fined by the police under the Missouri Compulsatory Attendance Law. "

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boscoe wrote on Sep 14, 2009 10:29 PM:

" They need to take the drug dog through the capitol during the legislative session too. I'll bet the dog would go nuts on some of those floors... "

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gofish wrote on Sep 14, 2009 3:58 PM:

" I"m surprised the drug dog isn't making the rounds at the Truman building. Might be surprised at what turns up there or at any other state office building.

Using money to exclude the poor is nothing new or specific to the school system JH. All private schools, including Helias, exclude the poor by virtue of tuition. There will always be the haves and the have nots. It's just life.

The greatest weapon against poverty is ambition. And that is such an awesome statement I just made. Sounds like FDR with the New Deal. Props to me! "

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sandhouse wrote on Sep 14, 2009 2:38 PM:

" About ten years ago I worked a hospital in Seattle. I remember when the US and Canadian LEO got together and decided to start running drug dogs on the ferry system between the US and Canada.....Like real smugglers use mass transit...LOL

That went on for a month or so....until a prominent businessman got harassed over some pot crumbs found in the trunk of his rental car. That's when the locals got smart and started inconspicuously spraying used bongwater at the ferry landings and on the ferry itself.

It rendered the drug dogs completely useless. They triggered as soon as they got out of the patrol car. LOLOL....completelybrilliantandendlesslyannoying to LEO.

Now there are no more drug dogs on the ferry system.
:) "

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rojo wrote on Sep 14, 2009 12:31 PM:

" Drug dogs are a great asset - both as a deterrent and also to find out if there are, indeed, drugs within our schools. Plus - it is excellent training for the dogs and handlers. Now that there are two drug dogs in Cole County, there should be no problem finding dogs to do the searches. "

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jh wrote on Sep 13, 2009 10:36 PM:

" In my opinion, the school administrators and Board needs to get back to the basic and teach. The parents need to determine when their child is capable of attending school. If there are excessive absences, Social Services already has in place reporting and investigation when the school suspects that the parent is committing educational neglect. I have seen the administration not approve of the doctors letter and punish the child and parent when they do not like the diagnosis or treatment plan. Administrators, stick with you scope of responsibility. Let Social Services do their work, let the parents do their work and let ease up on the already burdened medical and insurance industry. It is not always the parents. "

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jh wrote on Sep 13, 2009 10:30 PM:

" Many parents are struggling trying to afford sending their child to the free and appropriate education. Starting the school year is expensive. Many can not afford the doctors bill or the medication for real medical concerns. Many do not have insurance at all. So, why is it that the English department wants to add to the burden of already skyrocketing medical expenses? Did you know that if a child has a fine they will not be allowed to attend homecoming? So now, the poor are punished again. If you have money issues, expect to be treated in a manner with rules and regulations designed to punish you for not being able to provide more finances to the school. "

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jh wrote on Sep 13, 2009 10:23 PM:

" I agree that JCPS is treating the symptoms. I do not agree that parenting is the only problem. It is in some cases. But really, has anyone tried to work with this administration? They do a lot of lip service. They do a lot of patronizing. But I have yet to see anything of substance done when a parent tries to discuss an issue. The problem is systemic. For instance, did you know that in the English Department in JCPS, if you child misses one day you have to bring in a doctor's note? Talk about a burden to the parents, who I guess can not tell if their child is sick. "

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factsnodrama wrote on Sep 13, 2009 6:57 PM:

" Parenting. The dogs will change nothing. We continue to treat the symptoms and ignore the desease. "

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sweet1 wrote on Sep 13, 2009 6:48 PM:

" When I was a student there 16 years ago, we had drug dogs go through the high school. While it's unfortunate, it's not a new thing. "

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schroermr wrote on Sep 13, 2009 6:09 PM:

" You know you have a problem, and that it has gone too far when a school board has to consider using drug dogs to locate drugs in a school. Sad, very sad... "

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