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RCS board adopts updated code of conduct with metal-detection wands and on-site drug-identification kits
Summary
The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk board approved an expedited update to the district code of conduct that authorizes use of metal-detection wands under reasonable suspicion and permits on-site kits to identify substances found on campus; the Board voted to adopt the policy after brief discussion.
The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District Board approved an expedited update to its district code of conduct that includes rules for the use of metal-detection wands and on-site drug-identification kits.
District official (Speaker 4) told the Board the policy language authorizes use of metal-detection wands “for under reasonable suspicion, you believe a student may be in possession of contraband, a vape device, weapon to be able to use that wand to search the student in their belongings.” The district clarified that wands are not permanent detectors at entry points; they are intended to be used in targeted searches when staff have reasonable suspicion.
On drug-identification, Speaker 4 said the policy does not authorize testing students; rather, it allows staff to test an unknown substance found on campus to identify whether it is, for example, edible THC or nicotine. As explained in the meeting, staff would collect a swab, secure it in a kit, and use a color-change test to identify the substance.
Board members discussed procedural safeguards and noted existing State Education Department rules on student searches and seizures. The Board moved to approve the policy under the expedited process; Speaker 8 moved the motion, it was seconded, and members voted in favor by voice vote.
