Lowndes County School District officials are taking extra precautions to prevent criminal activity, including drug use, on school campuses.
Funded by community donations, a drug-sniffing dog is available for use on New Hope, Caledonia and West Lowndes campuses, joining the presence of a Lowndes County Sheriff”s Office reserve officer on each campus.
“We placed an SRO on each campus this year and individuals in the community undertook the task of raising funds for the drug dog for the Lowndes County schools,” said LCSD Superintendent Mike Halford, noting the move is a “joint action between the LCSD, the (LCSO) and the community to make school safety a priority.”
“This is an example of community schools and law enforcement working together to enhance the quality of education and life in our county,” he added.
An LCSO deputy is responsible for the dog and supervising drug searches on the LCSD campuses.
“It is rewarding to know the proper steps are being taken and we are being successful to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in our schools,” Halford said.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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