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Board debates vaping discipline and handbook distribution after rising student incidents
Summary
Board members described vaping and THC possession as a districtwide discipline issue, urged clearer handbook distribution and orientation procedures for parents, and discussed that expulsions and longer suspensions are governed by state law and subject to due-process hearings.
Board members devoted substantial time April 7 to district policy on vaping and THC possession after several speakers said incidents have led to expulsions.
Several board members said vaping has become an "epidemic" among students and pressed for clearer discipline rules and better parent notification. One board member said online registration requires parents to click a box acknowledging receipt of the handbook but that many parents do not actually receive or read a paper copy. The board member proposed moving the handbook distribution and signature to in-person orientation so parents see disciplinary consequences before school starts.
Legal limits and appeals The district attorney (Attorney Dave) reminded the board that state law governs suspension and expulsion procedures: before a suspension or expulsion of more than 10 days, students are entitled to notice and a hearing. The attorney said parents retain the right to appeal disciplinary decisions through the prescribed process.
Support and interventions Administrators told the board that counselors are available to speak with students after an initial incident and that alternative instruction programs are used for repeat offenses. Board members discussed the need for clearer referrals and resources for students showing habitual use, and the importance of distinguishing district disciplinary policy from state criminal law so families understand what actions are due to school policy and what actions reflect state law.
Next steps Board members asked administration to revise handbook distribution and to return with suggested language and procedures that clarify discipline consequences, distribution method and appeal rights.
Ending Administration agreed to review handbook distribution practices, consider orientation-based delivery and to draft clearer handbook language on vaping and related disciplinary processes for board review.
