Students, parents at Greenville CSD urge stronger steps after survey finds vaping, bathroom intimidation

A student survey and multiple public comments at the Greenville Central School District Board of Education meeting on Nov. 17 raised alarm about vaping and intimidation in school bathrooms, with parents and students saying the problem is affecting day‑to‑day learning.

Student presenter Paul (student presenter) told the board that a Google Form sent to all high‑school students in October drew 54 responses and that 68.5% of respondents named ‘vaping and bathroom congestion’ as a top concern. The presenter read students’ written comments, including one that said, “I have an irrational fear of simply going to the bathroom,” and argued that peer pressure and intimidation in restrooms are disrupting classes beyond the immediate incidents.

Why it matters: Students and parents said bathroom vaping creates safety and access problems for those who do not vape and can push families toward paid outside programs they cannot afford. Board members heard requests for clearer enforcement, more communication about what staff may do, and consideration of added supervision where needed.

What officials said: An email read into the record by a meeting participant summarized longstanding parent concerns and urged the district to take action. Administrators acknowledged enforcement challenges: vape sensors trigger investigations but students often hide devices, searches have produced limited evidence, and legal limits constrain what staff can do when a sensor alarms. The district noted existing mitigation steps — targeted searches, restricted bathroom access for recurring cases, a referral process to PPS, and partnership with Twin Counties’ prevention specialists — and that 12–15 students currently have individualized social‑emotional learning plans.

District data and next steps: Superintendent Michael Bennett and the business/operations staff said the district is tracking incidents and has taken disciplinary steps where policy allows. High‑school staff reported about 65 recent incidents related to the cell‑phone policy in which phones or smartwatches were taken; by comparison, they said a smaller set of students are on bathroom restrictions tied to repeated infractions. Administrators agreed to share clearer guidance with the public on what staff can lawfully do when sensors alarm, and board members suggested communications campaigns and student‑led anti‑vaping projects as additional strategies.

What residents asked for: Speakers and the student presenter urged three actions: better on‑campus deterrence (adult presence and targeted supervision), clearer communication to families about enforcement limits and referral options, and broader prevention messaging that reaches both students and caregivers. One parent suggested the district consider whether budgeted staffing could include supervised monitoring during peak bathroom use, with the understanding that adding staff would have budget implications.

The board did not vote on a new policy at the meeting; members asked staff to follow up with detailed options and to share the parameters of what administrators can do when sensors are triggered. The district said it will provide additional details to the community and coordinate with prevention partners.