Orangeburg board approves $381,913.52 for vape-detection system after student advisory pitch

Orangeburg County School District trustees approved $381,913.52 on April 8 to install vape-detection sensors in the district’s middle and high schools after a presentation from members of the district’s Student Advisory Council.

The student presenters said the plan — called the Vape Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Project — would pair sensors that detect vape smoke, THC and certain threat sounds with training and rehabilitation resources. Jocelyn Williams, a student advisory council member, told the board, “The sensors will help us identify the problem.” She also said the devices can detect vape, cigarette smoke and THC “in under 15 seconds” and claimed they produce “about 80% fewer false alarms” compared with other systems.

District staff said the purchase will supply about 175 sensors placed across middle and high schools, with installation, software training and designated administrator alerts. Officials emphasized that cameras would not be installed inside restrooms; the sensors can link to building cameras outside restroom doors to time incidents, staff said. The district described the devices as having tamper alerts and the ability to listen for sounds or keywords that may signal safety threats.

Board members asked how the purchase would be funded. A district administrator said the money would come from funds the district received in litigation with an e-cigarette company (referred to during the meeting as the “Jewel” lawsuit) and from remaining USDA grant dollars; the administrator said the general fund would not be affected. Board members also discussed pairing the technology with student rehabilitation and family resources, and suggested students present the project to county and city councils to widen the conversation.

A motion to approve the $381,913.52 budget for installation of the vape-detection system was moved and seconded during the meeting and carried.

The board’s approval authorizes installation at all middle and high schools; the district said alerts will go only to administrators and designees and that the program will include training and supporting rehabilitation resources for students who are identified through alerts.