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District outlines stricter vaping discipline and an education module after expulsions related to tobacco and paraphernalia
Summary
District leaders detailed new discipline steps for student vaping, described a four‑hour Vape Educate module used during suspensions and reported 34 recommended expulsions last year for tobacco/vape or drug‑paraphernalia incidents.
Lexington‑Richland School District Five officials told the board on Sept. 8 they have tightened discipline for student vaping and are using a required online education module, and they briefed trustees on last year’s discipline numbers.
Chief of Student Services and Planning Dr. Harris and Student Services Officer Mr. Pollock said the district’s updated approach treats first‑offense vaping at the middle school level as a three‑day out‑of‑school suspension (reducible to two days if students complete the district’s Vape Educate program). For high school students, the first offense draws a four‑day suspension (reducible to three days with Vape Educate). Mr. Pollock said second offenses generate a recommendation for expulsion. He added that if an incident involves THC or other illegal substances it becomes an automatic higher‑level (level‑3) disciplinary matter and may involve law enforcement.
The nut graf: District staff said the policy is intended to deter vaping and address health risks while offering an educational intervention; board members debated whether suspensions are too harsh for a first offense and asked about prevention and community partnerships.
Mr. Pollock described Vape Educate as “a 4‑hour module” completed during suspension; students finish the modules while serving short out‑of‑school suspensions, and completion can reduce the length of suspension by one day. When asked whether the district provides Vape Educate proactively as prevention, staff said the program is currently used primarily in the disciplinary process because seat licenses are limited and the vendor charges per seat.
Dr. Harris and Mr. Pollock said data from last year shows 24 recommendations for expulsion for possession or use of tobacco (which includes vapes) and 10 recommendations for expulsion for drug paraphernalia — a total of 34 recommendations. Board members urged stronger prevention, earlier education (including elementary awareness), and partnerships with towns and county councils to address retail access near schools; staff noted a vape shop just outside Irmo High School sits in Lexington County and appears to be slightly more than 1,000 feet from the school entrance, placing it just outside the 1,000‑foot restriction discussed.
Several trustees proposed broader prevention strategies such as a local task force, community outreach, assemblies or partnerships with health providers to offer counseling and earlier education. Dr. Harris said the district plans prevention activities this year, including a “Shatter the Myth” event scheduled Oct. 28 focused on vaping.
Ending: Board members asked staff to continue exploring prevention partnerships, to report data on this school year’s incidents and to return with proposals for broader, cost‑effective prevention and education efforts.
