School administrators find ways to manage student vaping | News

“This started out because I was contacted by school officials in my district about how rampant vaping is in our schools. As I dove into this subject, I learned that most of what is confiscated is flavored and disposable vapes. Looking further, I found out that many of these vapes are not even authorized for sale,” Raymer said in a press release about the bill.

High schools nationwide are trying to manage underage vaping, including Paducah Tilghman High School.

Ronnie Stroud, the assistant principal, said he has written 34 referrals this school year for vaping. To reduce students vaping, teachers and faculty patrol hotspot areas, like the bathroom.

“I’ve actually seen students walk into the bathroom, see me standing there, walk right back out. So that’s a deterrent,” Stroud explained.

But students are becoming more blatant about where they vape.

“Unfortunately, it’s happening in the classrooms. It’s not just relegated to bathrooms, and you know, where they have hidden spots,” Stroud said.

Although teachers look out for vaping, the faculty-to-student ratio makes it difficult for schools to stop vaping altogether. Tilghman has about 55 teachers compared to about 875 students.

“The major concern for me is having staff coverage to be in locations. That takes away from staff coverage in the classrooms or out in certain hallways,” Stroud said.

He is concerned about the accessibility of vapes, both in society and at home.

“I have had individual parents or guardians actually tell me that they purchased it for them, and so again, that’s a concern for us,” Stroud said.

Students are also finding creative ways to conceal e-cigarettes.

“We have issues with vaping of students and individuals using … different items that look like vapes, and [it’s] been…