CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Rossview High School student raised concerns this week about vaping in school restrooms and recommended vape-detection sensors. However, district officials say HALO devices capable of detecting aerosols are already in use.
Rondal Ballard, a junior at Rossview, addressed the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting. “Vaping in schools doesn’t just affect those who do it,” Ballard said. “It also affects those who do not vape.”
Ballard told board members when students use the bathroom to vape, it can result in other students not feeling comfortable using those facilities. “Students are reluctant to report on what they saw in the bathrooms because it could put them in danger in school,” he said.
Ballard suggested the district research bathroom sensors design to detect vape aerosols. He said the Rossview STEM and Science Olympiad Club has already begun developing air-quality sensors that are “efficient, fast signaling and comes with low cost.”
CMCSS, however, already has this technology, but it may not be present in all restrooms.
CMCSS launched HALO sensors in 2022
In March 2022, after seeing an increase in student vaping, CMCSS began installing HALO Smart Sensors in bathrooms across their high schools, according to previous reports. When the sensors are triggered, alerts are sent to the SROs and school administrators.
The HALO Smart Sensor detects more than just vaping. It can also alert school officials to gunshots, programmed keywords such as “help,” air-quality changes, and certain chemicals.
CMCSS spokesperson Anthony Johnson told Clarksville Now on Friday that the district has the sensors in most – but not all – bathrooms across middle and high schools. Johnson said they have also expanded to a few elementary schools. “HALO Sensors and other strategies do help detect and deter usage, but families and schools must continue to partner together to prevent youth substance use and abuse,” he said.
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CMCSS has encouraged families to talk to their children about the health consequences of vaping as well as the consequences for offenses per the Student Code of Conduct. Possessing any type of electronic cigarette, tobacco product, or smoking paraphernalia is a Category 3 Offense. Being under the influence of or in possession of any substance that tests positive for THC is a “zero-tolerance offense.” This would result in a mandatory one-year expulsion and the potential for criminal charges.
The district has also previously shared messages with families asking that they check students’ backpacks to ensure they do not have prohibited items. Johnson added for about a decade, CMCSS has partnered with national speaker Officer Jermaine Galloway, who presents workshops for families, students and employees.
“Awareness of the dangers of youth substance use and abuse is crucial for students, families and employees, so we appreciate students also advocating for student health,” he said.
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