PSB addresses vaping problem, Saturday school
PRESCOTT – Prescott’s School Board, at its December meeting Thursday night, addressed the problem of vaping in school.
Superintendent Robert Poole proposed a policy which would require those caught vaping to be suspended, three days for the first offense, five for the second and possibly be expelled the third time. Currently, he said, students are placed in In School Suspension (ISS), which isn’t doing anything to curb the problem. Students are bring vape supplies to school and using them in the restrooms. The district, he told the board, will be putting vape detectors in all restrooms. These detectors will send a signal to the School Resource Officer and principal when vapes are being used.
Board President Jo Beth Glass said three days suspension is no big deal for students, but things might be different if they were required to go to Saturday school and write an essay on the dangers of vaping. By adding Saturday school to the punishment, she added, it would be no fun for the students.
Reed Koger, a member of the board, suggested students caught vaping the first time be required to clean up around the school. However, the legality of this was unclear and will be looked into.
Poole said the district can add vaping to the alcohol and drug policy already in place. The board agreed to address vaping again at its January meeting.
The discussion of Saturday school was initially tabled as well, but in the end it was adopted when Prescott High School Principal Tommy Poole said he’d like to see it in place after the Christmas holiday.
The primary purpose of Saturday school is to deter tardies during the week, as well as other violation of policies. The problem with detention during lunch is it isn’t long enough to do any good, and after school detention isn’t an option for students who ride the bus.
Koger said Saturday school would make things difficult for parents who have to bring their child to school, and it could be an issue if the parents work Saturdays. It was pointed out the idea is for it to be inconvenient and not cater to parents.
The board agreed the principal would have the option of giving a student after school detention or Saturday school, but Saturday school was approved.
In other business the board was told the enrollment is 894, with 333 in Prescott Elementary School, 251 in Prescott Junior High and 210 in PHS.
For the financial report, Poole said the district is in good shape.
The board also approved buying a drug dog for the district, which will require a policy to be put in place. The dog will cost the district $5,000-$6,000 and be paid for with NSLA funds.