I never, ever, use the search screen located one swipe to the left of the home screen...yet I accidentally select it often either by accidentally swiping left or hitting the home button while on the home screen.
Nope cant remove it. I use it all the time. I hide the icons for apps like cydia and Rock app so that if I let anyone use my iPad they don't go in and mess it you installing stuff. a quick search on the spotlite page turns up all the hidden app icons.
Can't Be removed it is a major part of the apple os search function i use it all the time as it finds any thing on the iPad or iPhone