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Sheldon ISD board hears rise in ISS placements, staff cite stricter enforcement and vapes/THC
Summary
Trustees pressed administration over an increase in in‑school suspension placements; administrators said most of the rise is attributable to stricter enforcement of skipping/tardies and an increase in incidents involving vapes and THC, and described prevention programs and staffing considerations for a new ninth/tenth grade campus.
Trustees at Sheldon Independent School District heard a detailed disciplinary report noting increased in‑school suspension (ISS) placements and discussed programs and staffing to address student behavior and safety.
A trustee asked why ISS placements appeared to have nearly doubled. Administration responded that much of the increase reflects stricter enforcement of attendance and tardiness policies: the presentation cited that 285 of the 412 reported placements were for skipping and tardies. School staff said many students had multiple placements and that removal escalations can follow repeated incidents.
Administrators also reported an uptick in incidents involving vapes and THC. "What we happen to see here is vapes and THC," said a district administrator, and staff described increased detection through metal detectors and other measures. The district noted that some vaping devices are plastic and harder to detect and that students can obtain items online through social media platforms.
The board asked whether consolidation of ninth‑ and tenth‑grade students into a closer campus would require more security. Administration said staffing and counselor‑to‑student ratios were being reviewed and that some programs — including an AWARE grant, Stop the Violence for ninth graders and counseling initiatives — are being used to address prevention and intervention.
Trustees asked for follow‑up on trends and operational plans as the district finalizes scheduling and staffing for the ninth/tenth grade center. No formal action was taken beyond the request for continued monitoring and potential staffing adjustments.
