Parental help is needed to combat vaping in schools

Brian Guthman pulled double duty Oct. 23, as he was appointed chair of the Lake Holcombe School annual meeting and budget hearing, before donning the hat of board president at the following regular meeting. The annual meeting is a chance for the public to voice concerns and vote on issues that affect the district. Photo by Joy Dain

By Ginna Young

If you ask any school district administration, they’ll tell you the same thing – vaping is real and a present problem among students. Some school districts, including Lake Holcombe, joined together about a year and a half ago, entering into a vaping class action lawsuit against vaping companies.

The suit came at no cost, but is now paying out for Lake Holcombe, as was reported at the annual meeting and budget hearing, followed by the regular school board meeting Oct. 23.

“Long story short, we’re going to get about $12,000,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.

The payout will go into the student activity account, to address vaping among the students and making good choices. Lindau also informed those present, that the administration has met with resistance from parents when they’re informed the student was caught on school grounds vaping.

Parents don’t believe the teacher’s or staff member’s word, and want to see proof, thereby, hindering the school’s authority.

“It’s a challenge,” said Lindau. Chris Stalheim agreed, saying they are mulling over consequences for those actions. He also speaks to students about getting itchy in class, as a warning there’s more to vaping than just puffing away.

“There’s your sign you have an addiction,” said Stalheim.

For now, Lake Holcombe is working to support students through the vaping addiction and to figure out how to help parent education on what to look for. The district will also work to get an expert in to share with students the health impacts of vaping.

“We don’t know what vaping does to lungs,” said Stalheim. “Until they start to see the health impact directly related to vaping, it’s going to be a long journey trying to convince kids it’s not healthy.”

Lindau also reported that the school’s interior doors have been installed that were ordered last spring. The new French doors give the school the ability to lock during the school day, with a switch control at the office.

“Just another added safety and security feature that we have been able to put in place,” said Lindau.

Board member Jamie Tester-Morfoot asked if they can install doors at the steps, before anyone can enter the gym. Lindau said he doesn’t think that’s possible, because of the handicap accessible ramp sits to the side of the steps.

With no objections from the public, the 202324 tax levy was set at $3,959,993, with a 5.71 mill rate, while the budget is set at $7,103,830. Thanks to legislation, Lake Holcombe saw $11,000, per student, this year, but no increase in revenue, per member, the last two years, and state aid is down another 15 percent.

“It’s been very much a challenge to balance a budget,” said Lindau.

Those present also agreed to leave the salaries of the board members the same.

They also approved the high school roof replacement, for the 1975 portion of the building, through Fund 46, for $339,000.

“We should have plenty of funds to do that roof replacement next summer,” said Lindau.

Members also approved an out-of-state field trip, on request of choir director Shaylae Szotkowski, to take middle school students to the Orpheum Theater in March, to see The Lion King.

Also approved, were long-term sub Tony Pospical, interventionist; and Elizabeth Slack, speech and language pathologist.

The board also accepted $60.70, from Eastbay Lodge, to the football program; $60.70, from Eastbay Lodge, to the music department; and $200, from Northwestern Bank, to the cross country program.

They also agreed to change the November monthly meeting to Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m.

While it’s still in the works, the board also discussed a Commemoration Committee, which will be formed to address requests to name school property after coaches, teachers or beloved community members. It also opens the way for donations to the school, in order to name something in honor of someone.

“I think it would behoove us to have something in place,” said Lindau.