Agenda Item
d. Vape Sensors for High Schools (Not to exceed $1,602,443.27) ~ Updated 8.10.2025
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the contract with South Western Communications, Inc. (SWC) to purchase vape sensors for high schools for an amount not to exceed $1,602,443.27.
Why: Installing vape sensors in all high schools across DeKalb County School District aligns directly with Strategic Goal 4.1-to ensure a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment. These sensors discreetly monitor air quality in high-risk areas like restrooms and locker rooms, detect vaping (including nicotine and THC), and immediately alert staff-reducing staff patrols and allowing them to focus on teaching rather than surveillance. By deterring vaping, improving indoor air quality, and enabling timely, data-informed interventions, the initiative not only helps enforce school policies but also supports student health and fosters a respectful, disruption-free atmosphere consistent with DCSD’s culture and climate objectives.
• Over 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-highlighting a statewide surge in vaping behavior among students (The Atlanta Journal-
Constitution Feb 19, 2024).
• In Georgia, over 10% of high schoolers reported vaping at least once in the past month, with 7% using e-cigarettes during the previous 30 days-and an additional 4% reporting dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes (UGA Today August 29, 2022).
• Nationally, vaping remains prevalent, with 7.8% of high schoolers and 3.5% of middle schoolers reporting current e-cigarette use in 2024-totaling 1.63 million U.S. youth-and 26.3% of users using it daily (CDC September 5, 2024).
U.S. Middle & High School Students
2023
2024
-
• Current ecigarette use (%)
7.7%
5.9% (PMC)
• High school current use (%)
10.0%
7.8%
• Middle school current use (%)
4.6%
3.5%
• Users vaping daily (%)
-
26.3%
Georgia (Statewide)
• Disciplinary vaping incidents
22,209 (2022-23)
-
• Students disciplined for vaping (approx.)
-
17,500 (2023-24)
• Suspension days for vaping
-
12,268 days
Details: The purchase and installation of these discreet ceiling-mounted sensors will be installed in high-risk, private areas like restrooms and locker rooms to continuously monitor air quality for nicotine and THC aerosols. Once a threshold is reached, sensors will instantly alert designated staff, facilitating real-time intervention, preserving instructional time, and safeguarding student health without invasive surveillance. This collaborative, data-driven initiative aligns with Strategic Goal Area 4-Culture and Climate-by proactively creating a safer, more supportive environment while optimizing staff resources and ensuring student privacy.
Financial impact: The purchase and deployment of vape detection devices in high schools for an amount not to exceed $1,602,443.27 would include leveraging the use of JUUL funds under the general budget Charge Code: 582.0000.419950.08121.7200.9990.8010.115.0008.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811,
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Senior Counseling Coordinator, Student Advancement Department, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs
DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
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CONTACT
PRODUCER
NAME: Paula Halpin
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC PHONE FAX
1601 Alliant Avenue (A/C, No, Ext): 502-415-7062 (A/C, No): 502-415-7001
E-MAIL
Louisville KY 40299 ADDRESS: paula_halpin@ajg.com
INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE NAIC #
INSURER A : Zurich American Insurance Company 16535
KOCHENT-01
INSURED INSURER B : AXIS Surplus Insurance Company 26620
South Western Communications, Inc.
4871 Rosebud Lane INSURER C :
Newburg, IN 47630 INSURER D :
INSURER E :
INSURER F :
COVERAGES CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 684129626 REVISION NUMBER:
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X LOC PRODUCTS - COMP/OP AGG $ 4,000,000
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NON-OWNED
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$5,000,000 General Aggregate Limit
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AGENCY NAMED INSURED
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC South Western Communications, Inc.
4871 Rosebud Lane
POLICY NUMBER Newburg, IN 47630
CARRIER NAIC CODE
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