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Vape detector rollout, counseling and SNU partnership credited with sharp drop in school vaping alerts
Summary
Bethany Public Schools administrators reported a steep decrease in in-school vaping alerts after installing vape detectors, increasing staff presence and arranging counseling support and outside partnerships; administrators said alerts fell from roughly 16–20 per day to one to three per day.
School administrators told the Bethany Public Schools Board of Education on April 14 that student vaping alerts have fallen substantially since the district installed vape detectors and added enforcement and counseling supports.
Administrators described the detectors as ‘‘very sensitive’’ and said they recorded about 16–20 vape alerts per day last year at peak times, mostly at the high school. One administrator said, “Last year at this time, I would have approximately about 16 to 20 vape alerts per day.” Since detector installation and expanded enforcement and education, that administrator said the district now typically sees “about 1 to 3, maybe.”
Administrators outlined the district’s response protocol when an alert occurs: staff locate the source, escort the student to the office, scan with a metal detector wand and impose consequences when contraband is found. They said the district added counseling and a partner referral option for students who test positive for THC or indicate a nicotine-use problem; staff identified Southern Nazarene University and “SNU” partnership as part of that support. The district also increased staff presence in commons and restroom areas during passing periods and placed detectors in alternative-school areas and locker rooms to reduce occurrences.
Administrators said the program requires ongoing effort; one described the early period as labor-intensive and thanked principals and staff for sustained work. They also said student education earlier in the year helped reduce instances and that the culture had shifted so students were less willing to bring vapes onto campus.
No formal board action was required on the update; administrators asked for continued board support for the detectors and counseling partnerships.
