The Callaway Board of Education held a lengthy discussion during their Jan. 10 meeting on the use of vaping devices by students, and what steps as a district can be taken to curb that usage on campus.

Superintendent Bryon Hanson reported to the board that the administration has done some research on adding vape detectors in the building, particularly in bathroom areas.

Hanson said should the board vote to proceed with installing vape detectors several would be required; one for each bathroom, two for the boys locker room, two for the girls locker room, one in the junior high locker room and one in the family restroom. Hanson also noted that the cost of the detectors is not cheap.

School board member TR Anderson voiced his opinion on the matter, saying hebelievestheboardneedstoimplement a “swifter and more aggressive action against violators.” Under current school policy, first time violators of the “no vaping” rule will be given in-school suspension.

Violations do escalate from there, and eventually result in outof- school suspension.

“One of the things I’ve always been concerned about is, you have a kid who is caught vaping and you give them an out-of-school suspension, they just go home and play video games and vape. So really it’s not a deterrent,” said Hanson.

Hanson also noted that vaping is not the only issue at play. The same rules would apply to any kind of tobacco usage, including chew. “The only way an out-of-school suspension is really a deterrent is if you have the parents completely on board with it at home too. Otherwise you are just opening up more opportunities for them to vape,” he added.

After a great deal of discussion on various options, the board opted to do a little more research before making a decision.