(COLDWATER) - The Coldwater Community Schools Board of Education approved the purchase of additional vape sensors Monday night, while also hearing concerns from a parent about ongoing transportation problems across the district.
The board approved buying vape sensors and licenses from Monarc for the high school and middle school at a cost not to exceed $14,627.60. During discussion, district officials said one previously installed sensor had been damaged by a student, but restitution was made. Officials said the added sensors are part of a phased purchase plan tied to money the district has received from a vape settlement.
Board members said the devices are placed in areas including bathrooms and locker rooms. When asked whether the sensors are working as a deterrent, administrators said the sensors are working and staff respond when they are triggered.
Transportation issues also drew attention during the meeting. A parent asked for more information about repeated bus disruptions affecting students and extracurricular activities. Superintendent Dr. Keith Baker said the district is dealing with a severe bus driver shortage and is trying multiple approaches to recruit drivers, including training and competitive pay. He said special education routes required by student plans must be prioritized when staffing is short.
The board also approved student athletic accident insurance for the 2026-27 school year, asbestos flooring removal in clinic areas at the middle school and high school, a fifth-grade field trip to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, the purchase of a copier for Max Larsen Elementary, a three-year audit proposal, a one-year food service contract extension with Chartwells and upgraded bus camera systems.
Earlier in the meeting, staff from Max Larsen Elementary presented student literacy data showing growth in early reading skills among young fives, kindergarten and first grade students.
Baker also told the board that district therapy dogs and support teams helped welcome Union City students back to school after the March 6 tornadoes, and said a second community information meeting on the district's bond proposal was scheduled for Tuesday night at the high school media center.
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for April 27 at Lakeland Middle School.