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Vaping devise issue is tabled

LYNDEBOROUGH – At the request of Middle/High School Principal Brian Bagley, the School Board has postponed the purchase and installation of vaping detector devices at the school until more is known. The education programs will continue.

The devices are expensive, Bagley told the Board on Tuesday during their regular meeting at the Central School. “They might help in the bathrooms but no where else. (Students) vape in the halls, in the library, and the classrooms.”

He said he is concerned there is currently only one company that makes the devices. “If we wait there may be newer versions that are cheaper and more effective.”

Cost of the suggested devices was $8,000.

He said Breathe New Hampshire had presented an all-school program last week that was well received by students and teachers.

“It’s not just Wilton. It’s everywhere. Every principal I’ve talked to. We’ll keep on educating.”

He mentioned “strings” that thread through sweatshirt hoods “that they can chew on,” and the practice of “zeroing out,” inhaling until no vapor is exhaled.

An audience member suggested adding a program for the fifth graders, “before they get to the middle school.”

The teachers are all aware of the problem, Bagley said. “We all are.”

Breathe New Hampshire is a group committed to eliminating lung diseases including asthma and tobacco use. They have been promoting clean air since 1916 and information can be found on line.

In other business on Tuesday, new board members John Clark of Lyndeborough and Tiffany Cloutier-Cabral of Wilton were introduced.

Matt Ballou was elected chairman and Alex LoVerme vice-chairman.

An elevator misfunction at Florence Rideout on Monday left a student stranded for a few minutes. The problem was to be dealt with on Wednesday.

Hiring a resource officer for the high school was again asked by a resident. Superintendent Bryan Lane said such officers are not hired by the school, but by the police department. “We do not have enough regular calls here to make it cost effective for them and it would be at our expense.”

The question will be discussed again.

It was suggested that the $81,000 added to the school budget be “placed in a separate holding account and used only for specific items, to be disclosed at board meetings.”

The idea will be on a future agenda.

Questions were raised about the quality of the food being served at the middle/high school. There were, parents said, “no problems at Florence Rideout.” A committee will be formed to look into the food service program.

Food Services Director Robert Deigan has resigned, effective at the end of the school year.

Business Administrator Lise Tucker also submitted her resignation, effective on April 19.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 6:30 p.m., at WLC media Room.