Board hears proposals on vaping detection, ride-share safety and student advisory representatives

At the May 8 work session, School Board member Miss Atkins presented three items for board consideration related to student safety and engagement: evaluating upgraded detection and prevention systems for marijuana vaping, examining policies for student use of ride-share services (Lyft, Uber) including parental consent and designated pick-up/drop-off zones, and considering establishment of nonvoting student advisory representatives to the board.

Miss Atkins said she had received increased feedback about marijuana vaping and asked the board and staff to consider vape-detection devices in restrooms and other locations. She also raised safety concerns about minors using ride-share services to get to school or activities, suggesting the board explore a written parental-consent requirement for students under 18 and the possibility of designated campus zones for ride-share pick-up and drop-off.

Board members added practical context: one member said ride-shares are often used when families face transportation challenges or for before/after-school activities; coaches and staff noted many student-athletes use ride-share services for early practices. Colleagues asked staff to research options and policy implications.

Miss Atkins also proposed bringing forward a process to appoint nonvoting student representatives selected from the student body to advise the board. She asked the board to consider structure and terms and to discuss the idea further at a later meeting. The board did not take a vote; these were proposals for study and future discussion.