Stark Co. adding vape detectors to restrooms

 Published Date: July 17, 2024

By JEFF LAMPE
For The Prairie News

WYOMING – The Stark County School Board on Monday approved a plan to add vape detectors to restrooms in the Junior-Senio High School.

Principal Megan McGann recommended adding vape detectors to reduce the number of incidents and increase student security.

Heart Technologies will install the vape detectors for $35,083.

The board also approved athletic/activity fees for the upcoming year. The cost is $60 per student and capped at $120 per family. The free and reduced fee will be $30 per student and $60 per family.

Superintendent Brett Elliott reported that work on the new gym is moving along well. Roofing is scheduled to be completed this month and painting and reopening of the main corridor to the gym will happen prior to the start of school.

Elliott said there will be a teacher institute on Aug. 13-14 and the first day of school is Aug. 15. School days will last 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. through Sept. 2.

Elliott reminded parents to get vaccinations, physicals and sports physicals in time for the first day of school or the start of a student’s athletic season.

After closed session, the board approved the following personnel items for the 2024-25 school year:

• Hiring Heather Missal and Felicia Potter as assistant cooks and Tyler Dorsey as a high school assistant football coach.
• Adding Ryan Gentle as a volunteer bass fishing coach.
• Accepting the resignation of Jacob Best as summer custodian, effective July 19.
In other business, the board approved:
• Allowing the district to pay for expenses as needed until the FY2025 budget is approved.
• A three-year strategic plan that was outlined to the board Monday morning during its annual retreat.
• A 2024-25 Threat Assessment Management plan, providing step-by-step guidance of any threats in a school setting. A follow-up meeting will be held with local police.
• A 2024-25 transportation handbook that was updated with new dates but no other changes.
• A 2024-25 support staff handbook that was updated with new dates but no other changes.
• PRESS Policy updates, including a requirement to have a written procedure for handling criminal background documentation.