Lincoln High outlines expanded vaping detection, searches and sanctions after dozens of incidents

Lincoln High School officials told the Wisconsin Rapids School District Board of Education on April 14 that vaping — including THC vapes — remains common on campus and that the school is expanding targeted searches, detector monitoring and education to reduce use and protect student safety.

Administrators said the school averages roughly 39 vape-detector hits per day and that THC cartridges have been recovered this school year. School staff described a protocol used when detectors indicate vaping: administrators clear the bathroom, identify who entered based on camera footage, remove students to an office and, when appropriate, have the school resource officer conduct a wand search. Officer Oliveras described the enforcement steps and consequences for students found to possess vaping devices.

School officials said targeted bathroom searches performed March 19 led to findings in five of six bathrooms checked, including one THC device. Parents were notified. Administrators told the board they heard appreciation from some…