Londonderry High School presents new vape‑detection plan as administrators outline student search practices
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Summary
High‑school assistant principals described limits of standard searches for concealed vaping devices, proposed a vape‑detection wand pilot and tighter parent notification and counseling steps, and asked the board to approve purchases and a rollout plan.
High‑school administrators briefed the board on current student search procedures and growing concerns about vaping on campus, particularly devices that are small and easy to conceal.
Assistant principals Ryan O'Connor, Crystal Rich and Bob Callahan reviewed the district policy that authorizes searches on reasonable suspicion (policy JIH) and said standard office searches of bags and personal belongings do not always detect small vape products. "Vape and e cigarette devices... can be easily concealed and may not be recovered through such reasonable searches," one assistant principal told the board, adding that some national reports have found contaminated cartridges in circulation.
To strengthen detection and prevention, the high‑school team described a layered approach: upgraded camera coverage, two bathroom vape detectors (pilot), revised teacher duty stations, expanded health and counseling curriculum, and an MOU to refer students to the Upper Room's Rejuvenate program in Derry for counseling and diversion supports. As part of the proposal, administrators recommended handheld vape‑detection wands; vendors quoted a wide price range, and the team cited operational models using lower‑cost units (~$30) successfully in other districts.
Board members raised concerns about parental notification and legal exposure when searching minors. Administrators said they would make a good‑faith effort to contact parents before operating detection equipment when practicable, but asked for discretion in time‑sensitive situations where student safety could be at risk. The district confirmed that the existing handbook and policy require parents and students to acknowledge the discipline and search rules at the start of the year.
The board authorized procurement of wands and asked the high school to prepare clear parent communications and staff training before a broader rollout. Administrators also said they would return with pilot results and parent feedback before expanding the program to additional buildings.