By Megan Kelley
Staff Writer
LAKE ORION — The Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education approved a student handbook revision at the high school level targeting substance use, but more specifically, vaping.
“Over the summer, I had an opportunity to dive a little bit deeper into our issues with vaping. I also had an opportunity to talk to Lieutenant (Darren) Ofiara (of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office), along with some other districts. This obviously continues to be a huge issue, repeatedly,” said Heidi Mercer, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.
The revisions outline consequences for substance use on school property, prior to being on school property, at a school sanctioned event or is in possession of a controlled substance or paraphernalia.
According to the newly updated handbook, upon a first offense, students can receive up to four days of suspension.
At the second offense, students will receive up to 10 days and a referral to the Oakland County Sheriff’s office.
“You’ll see this evening that I wanted it to be very clear to students and parents at the secondary level that the first offense students will get a warning, after that it will be a suspension along with a recommendation to Oakland County Sheriff which basically means a ticket for each time thereafter,” Mercer said.
In hand with these changes, LOCS is also looking to improve education around vaping.
“Along with this as well, I do want to note that not only are we upping the consequences but we’re also looking at the education that we’re providing regarding vaping and the seriousness of it. So, we are hoping that starting in fifth grade in the spring we will be adding a few lessons regarding vaping all the way up through eighth grade,” said Mercer. “In addition, we are working with NOCC for No Vape November. We’re hoping to make that bigger this year, there will be activities for students but we are also working to do a parent university.”
While the board approved handbook revisions back in the spring, Mercer told board members that the district needed to try something else as the issue continues.
“What we have done so far, honestly, is not working. Really, the suspension is, frankly, for most students, allowing them time to sit at home and vape all day long, honestly. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense, so we have to try a different avenue along with the education,” Mercer said. “The younger we can educate our students regarding the consequences and the seriousness of vaping, the better choices I think kids will be able to make.”
The handbook changes were approved 6-0, Trustee Steve Drakos was absent from the meeting.