Trenton R-9 Board Discusses E-Cigarette Use, Vaping

Members of the Trenton R-9 Board of Education discussed electronic cigarette use and vaping during a meeting on Tuesday night.
Superintendent Mike Stegman reported on efforts at the high school and middle school to curb issues involving e-cigarettes and vaping, which he noted has become an issue at schools throughout the country. Stegman said he was told that students leave backpacks in their lockers to cut down on taking such contraband to class and that random bathroom and locker room checks are made by administrators. Teachers also monitor restrooms between classes. Stegman said that students caught with e-cigarette paraphernalia are disciplined according to the district’s tobacco use guidelines in the handbook, which includes three days of in-school suspension.
Stegman said he would be meeting with administrators to further discuss the topic, which he said is “becoming a dangerous situation.” He said the district would be naive to say that vaping is not an issue and that detection is difficult. He said it is an issue the district needs to stay on top of. Board member Marcie Cutsinger suggested involving students in coming up with ideas to help curb the situation.
Among action items approved by the five board members present were early graduation requests from Kaitlyn Owen and Emma Rorebeck, membership in the Missouri School Boards Association for another year and approval of bus routes (10 regular and three special education/preschool). It was noted that the MSBA dues of $3,479 were the same as last year and provides R-9 with the “full maintenance” services provided by the association.
The board was informed of changes made in the Positive Behavior Support program at the Rissler Elementary School. Assistant Principal Adriane Todd said positive behavior is being recognized by classrooms, with students being allowed to “color in” a dog paw chart for good deeds done. When the chart is filled, a classroom party is held. It was noted that classes are being encouraged to use one of the parties for service projects as a way to give back to the community. Individual recognition is also being done.
Following an executive session, the board voted to hire Alissa Dekoning, Ann Constant, Annie Bass, Amy King, Marjorie Keuhn and Chloe Martin as substitute teachers and Mattie Yoder as a substitute cook.
Board members present at the meeting were Doug Franklin, Brandon Gibler, Dorothy Taul, Corey Leeper and Mrs. Cutsinger. Absent were Dr. David Whitaker and Cliff Roeder.