Drug-Sniffing Dog Contract Considered for Renewal

The Santa Barbara school board will vote on whether to renew its contract with the company that provides schools with drug-sniffing dogs. Controlled-substance violations at the district’s high schools dipped to a 10-year low — 139 — last year, the first with the dogs. The cost to the district will be $13,500 for 60 half-day visits. Board President Monique Limón indicated she felt the money could be better invested. Trustee Pedro Paz questioned what the number of violations really meant, without context. He was also concerned about public perception — however incorrect — that the dogs are the district’s primary form of intervention.