Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Hillsborough to place vape detectors in middle schools

tampabay.com · 10dShare

The big story: Middle school bathrooms in Hillsborough County will soon be equipped with vape detection devices. The Hillsborough County School district is expanding its vaping detection and education program to 56 middle schools, after its initial rollout in 29 high schools. The move will cost about $866,000. After approving that contract, the board adopted what superintendent Van Ayres called “a comprehensive vape detection and education program” that combines real-time detection, prevention curriculum and staff training to reduce vaping and “promote a healthier and safer school environment.” The district’s educational approach to combat the issue would open with parent-teacher conferences before escalating to penalties. Board member Lynn Gray said more than 60% of 11- to 18-year-old students in the district had engaged with vaping. “My biggest thing is to make sure this doesn’t become a disciplinary issue,” board member Nadia Combs said. “I don’t want to see suspension rates go up o

First report: Vaping detectors now installed in K-8, middle school bathrooms in Hillsborough County — wfla.com, 11d