PHOTO PROVIDED Interim Assistant Superintendent Justin Evey and Director of Pupil Services Christina Manning present a proposal to the Keystone Central School District Board of Directors that could curb vaping in schools.

MILL HALL — Keystone Central School District Administrators are looking to adjust its procedure regarding vaping infractions in the district’s handbook.

A new option, Saturday School, was presented to the district’ Board of Directors during its work session Thursday night by Interim Assistant Superintendent Justin Evey and Director of Pupil Services Christina Manning.

Manning said the proposal was adjusted from the memo included in the board’s information packets.

“We’ve been working with the local magistrates with a process to assign students with the after-school program,” Manning said.

The current disciplinary actions being utilized for first-time offenders include:

— A student receives a citation from the KCSD Police Department.

— They have the opportunity to appear before the magistrate with the possibility of a court order allowing completion of the district’s In-Depth Vaping Cessation Course. The course is an after school program at CMMS and CMHS and during WIN at BMS/BHS.

— Successful completion of the course results in fulfilling court requirements and the citation is withdrawn.

If a student fails to complete the course, the citation is filed and must be paid. If a family is unable to pay the costs the student is supervised by the Juvenile Probation System until assigned community service hours are complete, according to the memo.

Manning said the class has seen some positive impact.

“It’s going well and we had out first completer today,” she said. “We have our second student in the program right now.”

Due to this positive response to the initial program, Manning said the administration was suggesting adjusting the district’s handbook to include Saturday School as another educational option.

The proposed classes could begin on Oct. 21 at all three secondary schools and continue bi-weekly throughout the school year. The class would run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The program used for both classes is through the American Lung Association.

“It really wouldn’t be all or nothing. It would just be another option for us to access,” Manning said. “And, of course, we’d combine classes where necessary to keep costs down.”

Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin said the point of the classes are to offer an interactive, educational experience to curb the use of vape products.

“It’s a behavior changing program. It’s where you’re actually learning and applying what you’re learning for a healthier individual,” Martin said. “It’s not just a sit and get where someone is imparting knowledge on them. It’s meant to be an interactive and engaging way to teach.”

Manning noted the class is only offered to first-time offenders.

“If a student was caught vaping for the first time, whether it be this year or next year, that’s the only opportunity that they have to take this course,” she said.

Board member Jeff Johnston asked what would happen if a student were to not show up to class.

Manning said, beyond weather related reasons, students must attend the classes assigned by a magersterial district judge.

“If they don’t show up, even if they’re ill, they’re a non-completer and that’s reported back tot he judge,” she said.

Board member Elisabeth Lynch asked how parents or guardians may play a role in stopping students from vaping.

Manning said education and knowledge are key.

“It’s (vaping) is still relatively new, but I think it’s also glorified — it’s to replace smoking and there’s misconceptions,” she said. “There’s just a lot of lack of knowledge on individuals parts and how it truly effects them.”

Manning said the point of the class is to fill in those educational gaps.

According to the memo provided to the board, the 2022-2023 school year has the following nicotine vape incidents:

— CMHS: 94 incidents involving 69 students.

— CMMS: 47 incidents involving 30 students.

— Bucktail: 17 incidents involving 16 students.

The board will consider adjusting the handbook to include the Saturday School during its voting session on Thursday, Oct. 12.