District reports 45-day vape/tobacco placements a success; Title IX changes noted

Superintendent Dr. Van Meter told the board the district's first complete year of a vape and tobacco intervention program produced positive results. She said 15 students completed the program; seven were 45-day placements (students who previously would have faced expulsion) and all seven tested negative at the end of their placements. Of eight students placed for tobacco-only incidents, one reoffended after the intervention.

The superintendent characterized the program as keeping students in school and avoiding expulsions that would have required alternative placement and additional county costs. In the meeting the superintendent and other speakers estimated that seven expulsions would have carried "several thousand dollars" in additional costs for counseling and alternative placement.

Dr. Van Meter also briefed the board on 2024 Title IX updates, noting the changes broadened definitions of violations; the district's guidance did not resolve participation rules for transgender students in sports. She identified Beth Bar as the district's Title IX investigator and said assistant principals had been trained as investigators and were assigned to investigate outside their own buildings to avoid conflicts.

Board members praised the program's ability to keep students in school and noted the district will continue monitoring outcomes.