Argo school board approves use of drug dogs on campus

Drug-sniffing dogs will soon be patrolling the halls of Argo High School after the school board this week approved canine searches of lockers after hours at the Summit school.

Principal Tim Clark said the searches would be more of a training exercise.

ÒWe will flag any lockers that are hit on,” said Clark. ÒNo students will be in the building when it happens. We will meet with students and parents afterward (if any substances are found).”

Clark said if drugs were discovered in a locker, the school would provide Òeducational, therapeutic support for the family. Most schools, especially in our conference, do it.”{{more}}

The school board also decided to change meeting start times to 6:30 p.m. beginning next month, but not without some controversy.

Board member Nick Caprio said, ÒI’d prefer 6.”

Member Paul Zwijack said he would probably miss some meetings due to his work with the band.

Member Dallas Anderson said, 6:30 would be better for him. ÒSix is cutting it close.”

Member Helen Mallis said, ÒIt makes no difference to me. Whatever the board decides to do, I’ll go with the program. We can always make it 6:30 (and change as needed.)”

The motion passed despite “no” votes from Caprio and Zwijack.

Board President Terrence Pappas added, ÒIf it is inconvenient, we will move it back to 6.”

A Òmeet the new staff reception” will be held in the Learning Resource Center on Monday, Aug. 20.

Supt. Kevin O’Mara said, ÒThere are 22 or so (new staff members).”

School will start for incoming freshmen and transfer students on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with all students reporting on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Important upcoming dates for the school include registration packet pick-up on Monday, Aug. 4, full registration on Aug. 10, faculty institute days on Aug. 17-18, and Homecoming on Sept. 26.

The resignations of assistant football coach Russ Nowak, Cynthia Haack, co-sponsor of the gay straight alliance, and teacher, orchestra director, band assistant and environmental club sponsor Devin Godzicki prompted Zwijack to ask O’Mara if there were rules of notification to the school.

O’Mara said no rules were in place.