District updates drug-testing process and reports 48 vape-detector activations since Aug. 26

Beatrice Public Schools staff updated the board on the district’s drug-testing program and ongoing efforts to address student vaping.

Speaker 7 told the board the district had sent forms to Diversified Drug Testing on Sept. 10 and expects the vendor to return a list of students for the first testing pool on Oct. 1. “We got stuff sent into diversified drug testing on September 10th,” Speaker 7 said, and staff will set testing dates that work for the vendor and the district.

On vaping, Speaker 7 reported 48 detector activations since Aug. 26 and seven suspensions, including one instance that tested positive for THC. Staff outlined operational limits: alerts go to staff phones, cameras cover restroom entrances but not interiors, and students sometimes dispose of devices before staff can respond. Speaker 7 said the district uses metal detectors in some situations to locate concealed devices.

Board members asked whether nicotine is included in testing; staff said random testing does not include nicotine but does include THC. Several board members and staff discussed detection timing and concealment tactics and emphasized education and enforcement as ongoing strategies. No formal policy change or board vote on testing protocols occurred at the meeting.