Fayette County Public Schools will begin using dogs from Interquest Detection Canines in Atlanta to periodically search for illegal drugs, alcohol and firearms at middle and high schools.
The Board of Education voted 4-1 on April 22 to begin a pilot program during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year to supplement existing safety and security measures. Superintendent Joseph Barrow Jr. said each unannounced visit would cost $840 and be divided among the high schools, middle schools and the alternative school. The program will be customized based on the system’s perceived needs and was not prompted by any specific incident. A longer-term agreement is possible based on the results of the pilot program.
Board member Leonard Presberg opposed the plan, saying it could damage the relationship between the schools and their students.
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