Hoover High Principal: Upcoming Drug Search to Target Students' Cars
The building underwent a lockdown and drug sweep in January, and Hoover High Principal Tony Pallija says the school also will see a search of students’ cars in the spring
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Hoover High administrators plan to follow up a January building-wide, random drug sweep with a search of students’ cars this coming spring.
Police officers didn’t find any drugs when they locked the building down Jan. 25 and searched lockers throughout the entire school. But Hoover High Principal Tony Pallija said a follow-up search of students’ vehicles this spring should reinforce the need for safety and compliance at the school.
“Sometimes they just need friendly reminders,” Pallija said at Wednesday night’s North Canton City Schools Board of Education meeting. “It sends a message to the students and the community that we’re not going to tolerate people bringing drugs into Hoover High School.”
Pallija said the January drug sweep, which included county K-9 units, was necessary because of negative comments circulating within the community and news reports media.
“We felt it was necessary because of the energy that was outside the building and in the community and in the press,” Pallija said, adding the media has reported issues of drugs at Hoover High. “We thought it was about time to check.”
Pallija commended the students for having a clean sweep.
“The entire 40 minutes we found no drugs in Hoover High School, and I’m very proud of the students for doing that,” he said.
He said administrators plan to do drug sweeps inside the building at least once a year.
Police worked with K-9 units from following law enforcement agencies during the January drug sweep: Canton Police Department, Brimfield Police Department, Navarre Police Department, Massillon Police Department and the Tuscarawas County Sheriff.
Other news from Wednesday night's board meeting:
School Board Members Oppose Administrative Staffing Changes
Check back with North Canton Patch later today for more meeting coverage.
Patricia Davis
11:45 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I expect there will be negative feedback from some parents if anything is found in the child's car. The cars are probably all registered in the names of the parents and they will hit the ceiling because the parents will claim illegal search of THEIR vehicle. Bottom line .... drugs are illegal! None were found in the school. Let's hope none are found in cars, but if they are parents and students should be held responsible. This students are most all under the legal age of 18, therefore the parents should also be held responsible if anything illegal items are found.
Mark
2:12 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
“It sends a message to the students and the community that we’re not going to tolerate people bringing drugs into Hoover High School.”
I wholeheartedly agree.
Not that I have any reason to suspect anyone, but to make it fair, wouldn't you also have to search teachers' vehicles and belongings as well? Or does suspicion always fall to students?
Fred Benson
9:22 am on Monday, February 20, 2012
The drug sweep is a very good idea, but to warn the students that it's coming is VERY wrong ! Why would you waste the time and money of the numerous law officials to do this? The idea is to stop our kids from using drugs, and introducing others to this bad problem. Do a sweep again and NOT warn everyone this time.
Morgan Day
2:30 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
Ann Marie and Fred, I'm pretty sure the school is constantly telling students the police and K-9 units will search the building/parking lots eventually. But I don't believe they ever tell them what date and time they'll be there.
Fred Benson
9:27 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Morgan, This is an illegal problem and should be addressed as such. You don't tell bank robbers what day you'll be in the bank. Surprise the kids and catch those that are having a drug problem and then you can get them the help they need. I was a former school employee and do know the school does everything to discourage drug use. The students have a drug awareness program, student hand book,etc. Enough with the warning and take action.
Morgan Day
9:37 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I have to reiterate that they don't tell the students what day the drug sweep will be. Thanks for continuing the discussion, Fred.