LISD clarifies recent security measures
"We've had to kind of shake it up. So we've done that." - Andy Peters LISD superintendent
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Louise ISD wants it clear their recent security moves - such as drug dogs and breathalyzer tests at the prom earlier this month - are proactive steps, and not indicators of big problems.

Students attending the prom were required to pass an alcohol breath test before entering the formal dance April 5. As well, drug dogs swept the school's interior and parking areas that night.

Peters told district trustees during their April meeting use of both methods was done because "I just thought it was time."

A tiny handful of troublesome new students have brought more talk - so far, just talk - of marijuana into the junior high school, he said.

The district pays a company $700 for drug dogs to visit seven times a year, and the animals normally check vehicles while students were in class, dropping by once every few weeks.

"We've never found anything serious in the parking lot," Peters said. Now, the dogs go into classrooms, once the students have stepped out of the room, leaving their belongings behind. As well, Peters has altered the dogs' visits, having some back-to-back so students can't assume they won't be back for a while once they're gone.

"We've had to kind of shake it up. So we've done that," he said.

He said there's some teens who've dropped out of other schools who hang out just outside the campus during the day, attracted to Louise because there's no school-time curfew to contend with, as is the case in El Campo and other towns.

"I don't know what they're doing, but it's not good," he said. "We're talking two or three kids, not in our system. It's not anything big."

Peters said he's had a county constable step up patrols and will issue criminal trespass warrants for those who wander onto campus.

Using an alcohol breath tester during graduation was very successful, Peters said, and there was nothing but praise from parents for its use. In fact, the district may use the device at graduation.

Trustee Debbie Townsend said she hopes parents and the community will realize the security moves are being taken not because of any serious problems, but instead to prevent problems.

"It's a proactive move," she said. "We don't have a problem, but this makes it easier for kids to say no."

Peters said using the measures will keep the status quo in place.

"We don't have the behavioral problems (of larger towns), and this is just one more thing to keep it that way," he said.