DeKalb Schools Considers Adding Vape Sensors To High Schools

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County School Board will meet Aug. 11 to discuss and consider several topics entering the new school year, including an agenda item to install vape sensors at 26 district high schools.

The district is considering approval of a $1.6 million contract with South Western Communications, Inc. to purchase and install 436 total vape sensors, along with training personnel on how to use the system.

“This initiative aligns with the district’s efforts to improve air quality, promote a safe and healthy school environment, and address the rise in student vaping incidents,” a document attached to the agenda item said.

The school board’s agenda packet includes vaping statistics. One Atlanta Journal-Constitution statistic said more than 22,000 vaping-related disciplinary incidents were reported in Georgia schools during the 2022-23 academic year, a sharp increase from roughly 18,700 the previous year.

These sensors will provide “real-time notification” and monitor more challenging school spaces, like restrooms and locker rooms. The sensor alerts staff digitally once a vape is detected.

The board meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with a community input session starting at 5:45 p.m. The meeting will be held at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain and will also be streamed live.

To see the meeting agenda, click here. To watch the livestream, click here.

In other business, the school board will:

— Receive an updated version of an Equal Access and Opportunity Audit from Public Consulting Group. During its May 12 board meeting, the board received a presentation of the group’s results and recommendations; however, the presentation was not complete.

— Consider approving an extended lease for Clarkston Community Center through June 30, 2035. The current lease is set to expire in December 2030.

During its June 9 meeting, the board tabled this item until now so they could discuss the logistics behind the lease.

“I think we’re all in agreement that the center should continue to operate as the Clarkston Community Center,” board member Andrew Ziffer said. “We just need to resolve how.”

The board heard from six speakers regarding the importance of the Clarkston Community Center during public comment in June. Founded in 1994, the community center is a “social hub” for people across many nationalities and serves around 60,000 people each year, according to its website.

— Consider approving a $350,268 contract for infrastructure as a service through HPE GreenLake hardware and managed IT services for HPE GreenLake infrastructure with Blue Mantis.

“For the upcoming year, DIIT will partner with Blue Mantis to manage the district’s HPE GreenLake infrastructure at WBBC, the district’s primary data center,” the agenda item said.

— Consider approving a $2.07 million purchase with SecureIT for information and network security services and associated infrastructure components from Blue Ally.

— Consider approving continued use of Centegix onsite maintenance and support for the district’s emergency communication and campus safety initiatives. The contract would be for $1.1 million.

— Consider approving $15 million utilization of the Georgia Statewide Contract – Indefinite Quantity Construction Services with 12 vendors through Oct. 19. The contract is used to provide services for repairs, alterations and minor construction projects in the district.

— Consider approving an $852,476 contract awarded to Education Logistics Inc. for K-12 routing and planning with a GPS integration system.

— Consider approving adoption and distribution of an updated Emergency Response Procedures & Protocols booklet and a Safe Schools Crosswalk Checklist for the new school year.

— Consider approving a $137,987 purchase of nine commercial-grade scissor lifts. The scissor lifts would be used to “support maintenance operations across Operational Zone 3 high school clusters,” according to the agenda item.

— Consider officially setting non-resident student tuition at $7,122.53 for this school year.

— Consider approving a $10.1 million purchase of instructional materials and resources across 17 vendors.

— Consider renewing a $3 million contract with Core Roofing Systems Inc. and Klein Contracting Corp. for roofing contractor services. This would be the fourth and final renewal of the contract.

— Consider approving $750,000 use of a previously approved contract with Sourcewell for Orkin LLC to provide districtwide pest control services.

— Consider renewing a $2.5 million contract with four contractors for painting services. This would be the first of four renewals allowed in the contract. The four businesses are A&D Painting Inc., Intercontinental Commercial Services Inc., Ideas Painting LLC and Brad Construction Company II LLC.