Rockdale school leaders warn of rising vaping, THC-edible incidents; ask for Narcan inventory and staff certification review

Rockdale County Public Schools officials told the Board of Education they are seeing a renewed spike in student use of e-cigarettes and THC-containing edibles and are working with law enforcement and public-health partners to respond.

Acting Superintendent Shirley Chesser said the district is working with Newton and Rockdale county law enforcement after a student’s death that occurred outside school hours and that grief counselors have been deployed. “This tragic event took place after school hours in Newton County. Grief Counselors have been on campus today and will continue to be available for all students, staff, and families as needed,” Chesser said.

Director of Safety Mr. Green presented detailed examples of products that can hide nicotine or THC and said some designs are being marketed to youth. He showed items that resemble a highlighter and a smartwatch and said of one product, “it contains about as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes.” He and the superintendent said some packaged edibles resemble ordinary snacks and cited an example discussed in another state where a single package could contain far more THC than adult limits.

Mr. Green described district observations and national data trends and said the pattern is not unique to Rockdale: “This is not a problem unique to Rockdale. This is a problem statewide and nationally.” He told the board that school nurses and safety personnel previously received Narcan training and that Narcan kits are carried by campus safety staff, but the board requested a current inventory and an updated list of staff whose Narcan certification needs renewal.

Board members pressed for specifics about how younger students obtain these products. Mr. Green replied that the district does not have a definitive source: “I wouldn't be able to give you an honest answer as to how, but we know that they are.” Chesser said the district is sending parent communications and will enforce the student code of conduct for prohibited items, adding that enforcement can range from school discipline to law-enforcement involvement depending on circumstances.

The district asked staff to compile and share: (1) the number of Narcan kits and where they are located, and (2) which staff certifications need updating so the board can confirm ongoing coverage. Board members also heard that the district is coordinating with Sheriff Levitt and local chiefs and will continue parent education about identifying risky products.

Less-critical details: Mr. Green noted that House Bill 577 (state level) had advanced and was intended to create a registry and restrictions on disposable flavored vapes; the board did not take legislative action but discussed education and enforcement steps.

The board did not adopt new policy at the meeting but directed staff to return with the requested Narcan inventory and certification status and to continue communications to families.