Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Estancia schools and parents warn of rising student substance access near cannabis sites
Summary
Estancia Schools Superintendent Cindy Sims and residents told the Commission they have seen increased THC vape incidents, more CYFD referrals and campus-access problems they link to nearby cannabis operations; the district requested support to protect students.
Estancia Schools Superintendent Cindy Sims told the Torrance County Commission on Aug. 14 that the district has seen a sharp rise in student substance incidents since legalization and that easier community access to THC products is affecting attendance and referrals.
"I've seen the detrimental effects on the students and the families on our campus," Sims said, noting a fourfold increase in Child Youth and Family Department referrals and calls for expanded mental-health counseling at the high school. She said staff routinely find vaping devices and other contraband at the open-campus school and must repeatedly address unauthorized adults on school grounds.
Multiple residents who live near proposed greenhouse sites on Riley Road and other locations raised complementary concerns about light pollution, traffic, groundwater use and public-safety risks for children who play outdoors. "My major concern is with the safety of my children," one resident told commissioners.
The Commission did not take action on school-specific remedies but the district said its social workers will submit a letter summarizing observed student needs. County officials and CCD counsel urged residents and school officials to file verified complaints and to work with legislators seeking statutory changes.
