HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County School System has already seen a decrease in vapes in schools since the zero-tolerance policy went into effect.
The zero-tolerance policy was put into effect this 2023-24 school year, according to CCSS spokeswoman Johnna Brown. “Vaping has become a serious issue within our schools and we felt as a district it was important we place safeguards in place to not only deter the behavior but to educate students on the dangers as well,” Brown said.
In the 2022 school year, 255 students were caught with vape products containing nicotine, and 101 students were caught with vape products containing a controlled substance. Brown explains that these were the students who were caught by schools officials or faculty, and there is no way to determine those who had vapor products that weren’t caught. Brown explains these are only the ones who were caught, and there’s no way to determine how many more weren’t caught.
The district partnered with several local agencies who support the no-vaping initiative, and in July, a community pledge day was held. Local law enforcement, health agencies and city officials joined in the pledge initiative.
The policy states that any student caught with possession of vapor products will receive a citation from law enforcement for drug paraphernalia.