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High school reports fewer canine indications, four positive random drug tests midyear
Summary
Muskego High School associate principals told the district board that canine searches and random drug testing show fewer indications this year; canine searches produced two outdoor indications without recoverable evidence and the random drug-testing program recorded four positive results out of 75 students tested across five dates.
Associate principals Brenton Roberts and Jessica Prokop reported to the Muskego-Norway School District board on Feb. 10 on midyear results from canine searches and the district’s random drug testing (RDT) program at Muskego High School. Roberts said the school has conducted seven canine searches so far this year — two outdoors and five indoors — and that the two outdoor indications yielded no recoverable contraband.
The update matters because the programs are part of the district’s deterrence and student-safety strategy. Roberts said the RDT vendor ProHealthcare randomly selected 15 students per monthly panel and conducted five test dates so far this year (75 students total). Of those tests, the district reported four positive results: two were nicotine only and two were nicotine combined with marijuana. "This year, with our canine searches, we've had a total of 7 total canine searches," Roberts said.
Prokop and Roberts described changes intended to increase efficiency and follow-up. The district now runs two indoor canine searches per month during indoor months; having a K-9 named Tito and an on-site handler (Officer Chris) increases search availability and response speed when concerns arise during the school day. Board discussion clarified that when a canine indicates on a vehicle or location, parents are informed and officers typically follow up with parents even when no contraband is recovered, because the dog’s alert can reflect residual odor.
District staff described RDT as a deterrent tied to privileges: students with parking permits or who participate in co-curricular activities are subject to the RDT program. The district has a parking-suspension reduction option that can shorten a suspension from 18 to nine weeks if the student enrolls in a monthly RDT plan and then tests negative as they progress. Staff said one student used the reduction plan this school year. Five students were listed as currently testing monthly under behavioral agreements.
Other prevention steps noted were educational outreach in family newsletters, a partnership with Champions for wrap-around care in 4K lunch/cafeteria supervision, metal-detection tools, breathalyzer screening at dances and a partnership with a "detour" substance-education program offered as an alternative to suspension. The board and staff emphasized that the K-9 program was supported by community fundraising and partnerships; district leadership described community donations and private fundraising covering significant K-9 costs.
Board members asked about grade-level distribution and links to middle-school prevention; staff said current positive-test numbers are low and more data is needed to establish trends but welcomed ideas to enhance middle-school partnerships. The leadership team said they will continue to monitor data and to coordinate education and interventions with student services and families.
