Parents press Clay County Schools after K‑9 alerts to cocaine; district outlines stepped‑up safety steps

Stacy Ledford, director of Rock Bottom Recovery, told the Clay County Board of Education that a K‑9 unit alerted to cocaine on school property on April 2 and that parents were not notified promptly, leaving families “in the dark.” Ledford said Rock Bottom Recovery has been barred from providing in‑school programming because it was not classified as evidence based and asked the district to reconsider that policy so community groups can partner on prevention.

"Not being made aware of a serious issue involving illegal drugs on campus raises significant concerns about communication and student safety," Ledford said during the public‑comment period. "We entrust our children to your care 5 days a week."

Parent Danielle Armstrong said rumors about the incident circulated rapidly and that silence from the district increased community alarm. "That lack of transparency is unacceptable...A student could have died that night," she said, urging the board to adopt deterrents such as clear backpacks, K‑9 searches in high‑risk areas and vape detectors in bathrooms that she said cost about $500.

District staff and school leaders responded with a multi‑agency update and a list of steps already underway and planned. Miss Godfrey (presentation lead) and high school principal Mr. Oberlin said the district has seen upticks this school year in vaping (14 recorded cases) and three incidents involving THC, and confirmed a recent on‑campus cocaine alert. The district framed its response around three priorities: student safety, increased supervision and transparency where legally allowed.

Officials described operational changes and supports already in place: expanded bathroom supervision and targeted adult presence during transitions; continued random drug testing for student athletes with positive samples sent to an out‑of‑state laboratory for confirmation; a teletherapy program funded by a grant through UNC Chapel Hill that began accepting referrals the day of the meeting; metal‑wand detectors for searches when staff have reasonable suspicion; and scheduled K‑9 pass‑throughs.

"We had committed to doing weekly pass‑throughs with the dog," Godfrey said, noting a substitute dog was arranged after a medical absence for the usual K‑9. She also said the district is pursuing a full‑time K‑9 handler position and a dog, and cited an estimated cost in the discussion of about $20,000 tied to establishing that position and presence.

School staff emphasized legal limits on public statements about incidents involving students. "The school system is bound by FERPA," Godfrey said, and said the board attorney advised against issuing a press release in the circumstances that would risk disclosing student information. Staff said they are coordinating with the sheriff's office and exploring whether law enforcement can provide community‑facing communications in future situations while preserving student privacy.

District officials highlighted prevention efforts as well, including partnerships with community groups, middle‑ and high‑school education programs, the teletherapy service, and a review of drug‑testing policy that could expand testing beyond athletics. Several presenters urged a balance of supportive services (counseling, referrals and teletherapy) and deterrence measures.

The board heard the presentations and public comments and discussed next steps; staff said some measures are already implemented while other options — such as policy changes to expand testing or to allow new community providers into schools — would need additional board review and possible budget adjustments. The board did not announce a separate vote on communication protocols at the meeting.