Franklin Middle, High School Adopt Tougher Anti-Vaping Rules

Franklin County Middle and High Schools have announced new and tougher restrictions on vaping.

At the Board of Education meeting last week, high school principal Roger Wilkinson outlined the reason for the tougher vaping rules.

Wilkinson said now that Juul’s have been removed from the market, students are using a new kind of vape that allows them to switch out the liquid inside for illegal THC.

“Now since the JUUL pods have been outlawed we’re getting more and more of the more expensive vapes with the pods,” he told the Board. “And the issue that we’re having with those is that it is very easy for the students to modify the liquid that they put in there or purchase THC. Again, what the parents of students need to understand is it is illegal in the State of Georgia for anyone under the age of 21 to even possess or use this. So, obviously, any student at Franklin County High School that possesses or uses one of these is breaking the state law. And also it’s a health risk for them.”

Wilkinson said over the past four years, they have tried to deter vaping use with in-school suspension and just taking away vapes but he said that has not been a deterrent for students.

He said last year, they caught 65-70 students vaping but there were likely many more that slipped under the radar.

This year, Wilkinson said they’re getting tough.

“And once again, we did our research. We checked all of the systems around us. We’re going straight to out-school suspension. And the law enforcement action that is tied to that County vaping ordinance that just went into effect gives the school resource officers the leeway to issue a citation, almost like a speeding ticket, to any student caught in possession of a vape. And they will have to go before the Magistrate with their parent and have to go through some drug education courses,” Wilkinson said.

In March, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners adopted a vaping ordinance.

Under the ordinance, students caught vaping will be issued a citation and will go with their parents before the Magistrate judge where they may face fines but could also be required to take classes on the dangers of vaping.

At the middle school, new principal Jason Sweeny said their policy will be similar to the high school policy.

Sweeney said the first offense in the middle school for vaping will be an in-school suspension.

The second offense will be a two-day out-of-school suspension and a third offense will have the student go before a tribunal and be issued a citation to go before the Magistrate judge.