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Board weighs vape detectors and more cameras; budget and privacy questions raised
Summary
Trustees discussed a proposed vape‑detector rollout (start‑up ~ $7,700; licensing ~$500/year) and installing additional cameras; members raised concerns about false positives, alarms at events, and whether cameras can legally be placed in classrooms.
The board spent a substantial portion of its June 17 meeting discussing safety measures in restrooms and school spaces: installing vape detectors and potentially adding more cameras to aid investigations. Mrs. Guzik told trustees the detectors sense a mist and that vendors warned of possible false positives; she estimated licensing at about $500 per year and that initial startup costs would be roughly $7,700.
Trustee Mr. Berardi said he worried about false positives and expressed reservations about relying on detectors without strong investigative follow‑up. "If the alarm goes off at a sporting event, [staff] should review the camera and talk to the adult or send a letter to the school," he said, describing how investigators would respond when detectors trigger. Mrs. Theodore and others asked whether one detector per bathroom would be sufficient; Mrs. Guzik confirmed one per bathroom and said signage would be used.
Board members also discussed installing additional cameras and whether classroom cameras would be legal; Mrs. Guzik said she would look into legal constraints. She reported finding an approximately $6,000 grant that could be applied toward cameras but said that amount would not cover all desired purchases. The board did not vote on procurement at the meeting and requested further cost and legal information before any purchase.
