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Students urge more counseling time, vaping programs and mental‑health support
Summary
Multiple Franklin County High School students told the board that mental-health struggles, bullying and widespread vaping are harming attendance and learning; they proposed reassigning counselors' lunch duties and creating targeted vaping cessation programs funded by SAMHSA/Title IV grants.
Several students used the public-comment period to press the Franklin County School Board for more student mental‑health support and a stronger response to vaping.
Student Chris Hancock (FCHS) told the board mental-health problems are behind failing grades and dropouts and cited national statistics on adolescent depression and suicide risk. Claire Vney, a student speaker, said counselors spend substantial time on lunch duty — "Lunch duty daily is at least 30 minutes, which is 2 and a half hours weekly" — and proposed reallocating that duty so counselors can increase direct student contact. "Freeing up this time would be beneficial for students who are struggling with grades, bullying, mental health issues," she said.
On vaping, student speakers described severe health incidents and large confiscations of devices. Eden Rhodess said bathroom closures and pervasive vaping fumes have become routine and proposed a student services–led vaping program with specialists; she identified SAMHSA and Title IV‑A grants as potential funding sources. "Vaping in our school is a…very prominent…problem," a student said, urging evidence‑based intervention rather than suspension alone.
Board members heard the concerns but did not adopt an immediate policy change; administrators noted some schools had already used grants and reallocation to preserve daytime tutoring and supports. Board members asked staff to explore options and bring recommendations to upcoming meetings.
