Drug prevention program announced for U-46 high schools

This week, parents and students of all School District U-46 high schools, including Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin, Streamwood, and Gifford Street Alternative, were notified of a new drug prevention and deterrence program which will include random searches for illegal materials.

"Providing a safe environment at school is one of our top priorities. Preventing a student from making a bad choice by bringing illegal items to school is everyone's responsibility," said John Heiderscheidt, school safety coordinator. "We will not tolerate weapons, drugs, or any other prohibited items on any of our campuses."

Under the plan, administrators at each school will conduct random searches for illegal drugs or other materials. The search area will be selected randomly and may include hall lockers, gym lockers and parking lots. School staff will control the area to be searched. Specially trained police dogs from local communities will be asked to assist with Drug Prevention and Deterrence searches conducted by school administrators. Students will not have contact with the police dog.

The District has been planning for this program for the past two years. Planning and discussions have included the U-46 School Safety Advisory Task Force, principals, assistant principals, deans, parents and local police departments.

"This Drug Prevention and Deterrence program is one piece of our school safety plan," said Heiderscheidt. "Our goal remains prevention - not prosecution," he added.