School Board Meeting - February 14, 2023
Author: Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter
School Board Meeting - February 14, 2023 Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter Townsend schools to install vape detectors
The Townsend School Board approved the installation of vape detectors in various school bathrooms and approved the second reading of Policy 3235 video surveillance during its Feb. 14 meeting.
Joe Gill, the school district technology assistant, told the board that if the vape detectors alert to the use of a prohibited substance, it will alert administrators and connect to a video camera placed strategically to record whoever exits the bathroom.
The system, Gill explained, offers the school a two-month trial period before committing to a subscription.
The goal of the vape detectors, Superintendent Susie Hedalen said, is to prevent students from vaping at school.
“This behavior is escalating,” High School Principal Sheri Heavrin told the board during the meeting.
Before the school could install these devices, a policy allowing them to connect with video surveillance needed to be approved. And the board ensured that took place before the meeting concluded.
Policy 3235 authorizes the use of “video cameras on District property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors”. The policy dictates that the superintendent must approve each video camera’s location, and now “authorizes video cameras to be equipped with sensors that alert school officials of the use or presence of prohibited substances”.
All staff and students will be notified through their handbooks — or by other means, according to the policy — that video, audio and substance surveillance is taking place. Hedalen also pointed out that notices will be posted at the building and bathroom entrances.
Policy 3235 also allows the district to include video recordings in a student’s educational or a staff’s personnel record.
Both the policy and the installation of vape detectors were passed by the board unanimously.
The School Board will meet next on March 14 at 6 p.m. in the Library Community Room.
Elections
During the Feb. 14 school board meeting, the board called for a trustee election. This year, two trustee seats will become available -- those of Todd Olson and Kevin McDonnell.
Anyone interested in entering their name in the race can do so now.
Strategic Planning Meeting
Prior to the school board meeting, school staff and members of the public gathered on Feb. 13 to once again discuss the district's strategic plan.
School Board Chair Jason Noyes said participants focused on matching educational models with the district's goal areas. Additionally, Noyes said, they identified the schools' strengths and weaknesses.
Members of the community are invited to attend the next strategic planning meeting on March 20. A location for the meeting has yet to be determined.
