Schools Consider Vape Detectors At Middle, High Schools

PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton Unified School District might crack down on student vaping in bathrooms with $275,000 in new air quality detection devices.

The devices were discussed at the Feb. 25 PUSD Board of Trustees meeting, as Pleasanton Weekly first reported.

The district is considering installing Halo Air Quality Detection Sensors in middle school and high school bathrooms. The sensors detect chemicals emitted by a vape, in smoke, in carbon monoxide, and can direct staff to the bathroom where the chemicals were detected.

The sensors are part of a larger proposal for a $9.6 million plan to upgrade Wi-Fi and telecommunications throughout the district.

The first phase is nearing completion, and the second phase would tackle additional telecommunications projects such as phone, bell speakers and internet improvements, the district said. The vape detectors would also fall under the second phase.

Final cost estimates are expected to be presented at the board's March 10 meeting.