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Board approves $238,139 award to install vape detectors at 12 Washoe County high schools
Summary
The Washoe County School District board unanimously approved a $238,139 contract with PowerComm Solutions to install vape‑detection systems at 12 high schools after staff described how silent alerts, timestamps and camera review have helped reduce incidents in schools that already use the devices.
The Washoe County School District board voted unanimously April 14 to award a contract to PowerComm Solutions LLC for installation of vape‑detection systems at 12 district high schools for $238,139.
The item, pulled from the consent agenda for a short presentation, was introduced by staff who said the devices provide silent, real‑time app alerts to designated administrators and produce a timestamp that allows camera review to identify students after an alert. Chris Hackbush, chief academic officer for secondary education, described the technology as a deterrent that administrators use to preserve bathroom access and create safer restroom environments.
Trustees asked whether middle schools would be covered; staff said several middle schools already have detectors from earlier remodels and the current award focused on the high‑school deployment as directed in previous board guidance. Student representative Maya Hurley told trustees she and other students had asked for the detection systems because they make bathrooms feel safer and increase student use of facilities.
Public comments included concerns about camera placement and whether devices would deter other drug use; staff and trustees said cameras are positioned in hallways, not inside stalls, and that the detectors are a tool within a layered approach that also includes education and progressive discipline. Trustees also noted limitations — for example, detectors are less effective where co‑ed stalls or unusual restroom designs make identification harder — and stressed the need to pair technology with staff response and education.
Trustee Phoenix moved to award bid 26‑75‑B2‑DA to PowerComm Solutions LLC for $238,139; Vice President Woodley seconded and the motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The board recorded no roll‑call tally in the minutes other than unanimous approval.
