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Board updates student-transfer and student-search policies to add vape language, metal-detection guidance
Summary
The school board approved revisions to the student-transfer policy and to policy 62-19 on searches of students, adding explicit language about vapes and outlining factors for reasonable-suspicion searches and the use of handheld detection devices.
The Tahlequah Public Schools Board of Education voted May 13 to approve revisions to two district policies: the student-transfer policy (06/25) and the student-search regulation (62-19). The board discussion focused on a July transfer portal timeline and clarifying the search policy to address vaping devices.
Administrative staff explained the timing for the transfer policy: because the transfer “portal” opens June 1, the board needed an updated transfer policy in place in June and again in July to set available openings for incoming transfers. The presenter said the item was being handled now to ensure the district can accurately publish available seats for the transfer window.
The board discussion on search procedures centered on updating policy language to include vapes and to articulate the factors that justify a reasonable search. The revised regulation adds specific considerations for whether reasonable suspicion exists, including the student’s age, prior disciplinary record, the seriousness of the suspected violation, the school official’s experience, and the need to search without delay. The policy also adds a line about using handheld metal-detection devices to locate vapes when a device has been activated or when a student is suspected of possession.
A staff presenter told the board, “Vapes had not been in the policy before, so we added that in specifically.” Presenters and board members framed the change as part of district efforts to deter vaping on campus and to give staff tools to locate devices that students may move to avoid discovery.
The board approved the revisions as presented; staff said the district is also working with the OSSBA (Oklahoma State School Boards Association) rewrite of the district policy book and will incorporate the edits into that larger update.
No additional enforcement procedures beyond the updated policy language were adopted May 13; administrators said staff training and communication would follow adoption.
