Board Considers Use of Dogs To Search For Drugs At Schools

Newark Unified Board of Education members on Thursday briefly discussed making changes to a board policy that would allow drug-sniffing dogs on school grounds.

The first reading of a search and seizure policy notes changes that include the use of metal detectors and the use of drug-sniffing K-9s, according to district documents.

Board members did not act on the agenda item. Officer Aaron Slater, the school resource officer at , will present more information regarding the use of “specially trained, non-aggressive dogs” to detect prohibited substances on school property at the next board meeting. 

The draft policy states: “The dogs may sniff the air around lockers, desks, or vehicles on district property or at district-sponsored events. Dogs shall not sniff within the close proximity of students or other persons and may not sniff any personal items on those persons without their consent.”

For metal detectors, the draft states that the district superintendent "or designee" can use metal detectors at schools when necessary and that "he/she shall establish a plan to ensure that metal detector searches are conducted in a uniform and consistent manner."

A second reading of the policy will be held at the

The first reading of the policy in Newark comes one week after the at the city’s two high schools.

Pleasanton Unified’s policy states that the dogs are only allowed to patrol if the district’s superintendent or someone else approves the individual search first. Castro Valley, Dublin and Livermore already use drug-sniffing dogs.

Click here to the read the draft of the board search and seizure policy.

Also at Tuesday’s board meeting:

• All nine individuals interviewed by board were selected to serve on the district’s Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. The board will seek two more members (one who will be at-large and another who will represent the tax community) The appointed committee members are: William Baker, Jack Dane, Andrea Francis, Mondae Hefter, Casper Knoop, Tammy Mackey, Liz Mafi-Tuitama, Theresa Miller and Marilyn Painter.
• was recognized by Superintendent Dave Marken for giving donations that total $13,525 toward science departments in schools throughout the district.
• Chief Business Official Elaine Neilsen gave a presentation about Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2012-13 budget and stated that it is still “another year of uncertainty.” (Look for more in-depth coverage of this issue by Newark Patch at a later date.)
• Board member Nancy Thomas announced that the crab feed raised $6,000 that will be donated to to buy computers for needy families.

The ’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the district office, 5715 Musick Ave. Click here to visit the district’s website to download board meeting minutes and board agendas.