Student project urges vape detectors at Blackstone‑Millville high school; district to review privacy and costs

A student team presented a proposal July 10 to install vape‑detection sensors in school bathrooms after a district survey found students encountering vaping as early as sixth grade.

Marissa Patarella told the school committee that surveys administered to students showed frequent exposure to vaping and that more than two‑thirds of respondents said detectors would be helpful. She and her partner recommended the Halo 3C model because it focuses on vape detection, does not include cameras and offers cloud‑based device management.

District staff said the units would need to be wired and connected to the Internet through a third‑party vendor, and that protective cages could reduce vandalism. Staff also noted the detectors can send alerts (text or email) to adult supervisors on duty outside bathrooms. The recommended unit’s price range discussed was $1,200 to $1,500 per device; the students and administration noted the product includes a two‑year warranty through the seller cited in their research.

Committee discussion emphasized two points: detectors are a mitigation tool and not a standalone solution, and current student‑discipline reform limits some disciplinary responses; the committee referenced the I DECIDE program as an intervention avenue for students caught vaping. The superintendent said the device recommendation was informational and the district will continue to evaluate the technical, privacy and staffing implications.

Next steps: administration will continue technical review and report back; the item was listed as informational for now.