Original Article Drug-sniffing dogs search 2 high schools By Andrea Falkenhagen, Tribune October 25, 2005 Scottsdale police brought canines into two high schools for drug searches earlier this month, but school officials refused to discuss where or when those searches occurred. "There were two searches at two of our high schools, and both resulted in no drugs found in any of the lockers," Keith Sterling, spokesman for the Scottsdale Unified School District, said Monday. He said the searches were done after school hours, and students can expect additional searches at other high schools in the future. Bringing drug-sniffing dogs on campuses is just one of the tactics Scottsdale schools are using to combat drug use among students. The idea came about after a report released by the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office last spring found numerous instances of drug use among Scottsdale teens and young adults. Governing board president Chris Schild said no one from the district or the police department has told her about the most recent drug searches. She said she plans to withhold judgement about the plans effectiveness until the end of the school year, when she can determine whether there has been a decrease in the number of students who face discipline for bringing drugs on campus. "If we would see a decline in the number of on-campus possession offenses, then I think we should give serious consideration to continuing the program for its deterrent effect," she said. "But if we havent seen any decline in the number of drug offenses, then whats the point?" Meanwhile, the neighboring Paradise Valley Unified School District is using different tactics to help students say no to drugs. The district does not implement random drug dog searches, said district spokeswoman Judi Willis. Instead, the high schools recently announced plans to offer random drug testing for any student whose parent requests it. Contact Andrea Falkenhagen by email, or phone (480) 970-2348