Montgomery County Public Schools plans to install vape detectors in all high schools as part of its new initiative aimed at strengthening student safety and promoting a healthier school environment. The funding for the detectors has come from a settlement with vape manufacturer JUUL, which has had to pay for installations across MCPS.
According to a MoCo Show article, new Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor decided to install these detectors after a meeting last month. In a memo, Dr. Taylor said, “[They will be installed] as a result of ongoing serious incidents within MCPS and throughout the nation.” He explained, “It is imperative to enhance safety and security in all schools and seek opportunities to address areas for improvement that can increase efficiency, reinforce policies, mitigate hazards, and reduce risks.”
Mr. Grey, Head of Security at B-CC, explained the initial installations are part of a test phase currently underway in select schools in the county. He said, “MCPS is not sure if they work 100% and that’s why they are being installed now, to test out things.” When asked about the timing for possible installations at B-CC, Mr. Grey said, “They will not be installed anytime soon.”
The detectors are designed as a computerized system that alerts the administration when smoke is detected. Some students are concerned this could be an invasion of privacy and are worried that innocent students could be wrongly accused.
Students also question the efficacy of efforts to mitigate student vaping on school grounds. Senior Olivia Zaft said, “In theory, it probably should [be effective]. But I also feel anyone who’s driven to vape in the bathrooms can easily just go find another place to vape.”
Zaft further expressed her apprehension about the school’s safety priorities. “Vaping is not great, but I don’t know if that really poses a safety threat to our schools. The fact that we’ve had bomb threats in the past few years makes me feel like there are more safety threats in my mind,” said Zaft.
