COAL TOWNSHIP - A building wide locker search was conducted at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School Friday, but no drugs were found, according to Principal Chris Venna.
Special officers from a canine unit coordinated through state police assisted the administration in the search. Coal Township police also assisted in the search, which was conducted in accordance with school district policy.
"The administration believed the search was necessary as a result of information that was given to us over the past several months and due to our strong commitment to keep drugs out of our school facilities," Venna wrote in a letter sent home with students for their parents and guardians. "This is the second building wide locker search conducted this school year. The drug-sniffing dogs did identify a narcotic odor in a few lockers."
Venna said the administration regrets having to take this action, "however, we are serious about keeping drugs and alcohol out of the buildings and are willing to use all legal procedures within our authority to ensure that our school is safe and drug-free."
Parents can contact Venna at 648-5731 with questions or concerns.