The Greene County School District is looking to improve and continue to provide a safe and supportive learning environment by addressing substance abuse issues.

Marijuana use is a growing concern in connection with legalizing it in some states. A survey conducted by the University of Michigan in 2014 showed 11.7 percent of eighth graders said they used marijuana in the past year, the percentage jumped up to 27.3 for 10th graders and 12th graders were the highest at 35.1 percent. According to the Iowa Youth Survey, in 2014, 23 percent of Greene County 11th graders reported using marijuana and nine percent said they used marijuana in the past 30 days.

In response to these statistics, the district developed an agreement with the Jefferson Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s office to allow the Sheriff’s office’s K9 Leo to conduct random drug searches of the premises including lockers and parking lots, without prior notification. The previous agreement had the Sheriff’s office give the day and time of when they were going to conduct a search. While drugs have been found in vehicles on school grounds, none have been found inside any of the buildings. Law enforcement is also allowed to send an officer or deputy to conduct field sobriety tests on any student that is suspected to be under the influence of drugs.

The district asks for everyone’s support in their proactive approach to continue to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students.