GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — The Glynn County School Board on Tuesday approved acquiring sensors that detect vape smoke, as well as marijuana and cigarette smoke, in district schools.
The 128 sensors, that also detect sound, will cost $174,513.77 including licensing and configuration, according to a quote the district received. The figure is from ProLogic ITS LLC, based out of Acworth, Georgia. The 128 sensors cover every restroom is both of the facilities.
Executive Director of Student Services Senetra Haywood said the district conducted a pilot at Brunswick High from April 18 to May 23. She said the sensors proved successful, noting in the first week of implementation they received "many alerts."
"We did not want to spend this kind of money without making sure the devices actually worked," Haywood said.
The sensors will be paid for by a state safety grant, Haywood said.
According to the 2023 Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey of 22,069 students, 7.7% of students, more than 2.1 million (1.56 million in high school and 550,000 in middle school), reported current use of e-cigarettes. The survey said nearly nine out of 10 current e-cigarette users used flavored e-cigarettes, with fruit flavors being the most popular, followed by candy, desserts or other sweets, mint and menthol.
In that survey, about 56% of teens who vape said they used Elf Bar, trailed by Esco Bar and Vuse, a reusable e-cigarette made by R.J. Reynolds. Juul was used by 16% of teens and was the fourth most popular brand, the survey said.