The forum to discuss allowing random canine searches within Cooperstown Central School will be held on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the middle/high school.

The forum will not be open to the public.

Canine searches were first investigated and eventually turned down by the school board in September of 1999 after more than a year of research, two demonstrations, and two comprehensive surveys. The rationale for the decision was to allow new administration the opportunity to assess the situation.

The board revisited the idea during its meeting in December.

"I think it is timely that we look at it," board member Rosemary Craig said. "You do hear about instances at schools."

Superintendent Mary Jo McPhail said that a state trooper will be present to discuss canine searches with participants in the forum. The list of approximately 20 members, created by the administration, will include members of the health advisory board, police officials, a legal representative, parents and students.

Four high school students have been chosen by the student council to represent the student body at the forum, said McPhail. A few eighth grade students have yet to be chosen.

McPhail said recently that there had been issues with illegal substances at CCS previously, but not at an increasing amount.

"We felt it was time to revisit the topic for study purposes and provide a forum for a wide variety of participants to express their viewpoints. We do experience issues engaging in the use and possession of illegal substances. I can't say I feel there has been an increase. I don't feel we are disciplining any more students than we were in the past," said McPhail.

She feels it is important for people to understand the function of canine searches.

"[Canine searches are] intended to be a deterrent. If you know a district has the capability to do that, hopefully it would keep illegal substances out of school," said McPhail. "We really need to have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to that."

Four area schools participate in canine searches including Cherry Valley-Springfield, Morris, Laurens and Oneonta.