School Pilot Program Aims to Address Youth Vaping and Avoid Expulsion

In a recent Racine Unified School District Board Work Session, discussions centered on a new pilot program aimed at addressing student vaping and preventing expulsion. The initiative is designed to provide support for students caught vaping, with a focus on helping them avoid disciplinary actions that could lead to expulsion.

Board members emphasized the importance of this program, noting that it is currently limited in scope due to space constraints. Parents will not be able to enroll their children in the program unless they have been caught vaping, which aims to maintain a controlled environment for the pilot's initial phase. This approach allows the district to evaluate the program's effectiveness before considering any potential expansion.

Concerns from parents about youth vaping were highlighted during the meeting. One board member shared experiences of receiving calls from parents who were unaware of vaping and sought guidance on how to help their children. The discussion also referenced a CDC article indicating that the average age for first-time vaping is around 13, with some children starting as young as 10. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing vaping among middle school students.

The board acknowledged that nearly 70% of young people who vape express a desire to quit but lack the resources or knowledge to do so. This insight reinforces the program's goal of providing support and education to students, helping them navigate the challenges of vaping and its associated pressures.

As the Racine Unified School District moves forward with this pilot program, the focus remains on fostering a healthier environment for students and equipping them with the tools they need to make informed choices about vaping and other risky behaviors. The board's commitment to addressing this issue reflects a broader goal of promoting student well-being and academic success within the community.