Student reps push for vape detectors; superintendent highlights reading gains and events

A student representative told the board on Nov. 17 that the student council is exploring smoke and vape detector installations in school bathrooms to support the district’s smoking policy, and asked the district to investigate costs, product choices and potential grant funding.

"It relates to our smoking policy on campus, and we would need to find room in our budget," the student representative said, noting the need to research initial cost and available grants.

Earlier a different student representative reported community service activities including filling 'Backpack Buddies' bags for weekend food distribution and creating holiday cards for nursing-home residents. The student account noted 3,000 bags were filled; Superintendent Olsen later referenced that students helped package over 2,600 food packs for weekend distribution.

In his superintendent’s report, Superintendent Olsen emphasized academic progress and extracurricular achievements: Bemidji Middle School was named among U.S. News & World Report’s best schools for a second year, third-grade reading scores reached a five-year high and the district moved from below to above the state average in third-grade reading. He also cited recent athletic sectional championships and school records in swimming and encouraged community participation in upcoming concerts and events. The superintendent reiterated the Dec. 15 schedule change: a 5:30 p.m. listening session, a 6:00 p.m. Truth in Taxation hearing and a 6:30 p.m. regular board meeting.

The board did not take immediate action on the vape-detector suggestion; the student said the proposal would require staff to identify costs and funding sources before the board could consider formal adoption.