The board dedicated a portion of the meeting to a presentation by Tina Owie from the Center for Prevention and Counseling, which focused on alarming trends in youth nicotine and cannabis use. Owie reported a downward trend in substance use among local youth, though Vernon continues to face challenges with early-age nicotine and marijuana use. She emphasized the Center’s efforts, celebrating its 50th anniversary, to inform the community about marketing strategies and trends in substance use, while advocating for collective action to prevent underage use. Owie highlighted the dangers of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and the increasing misuse of Adderall among high school students, warning against the perception of these substances as harmless.

Owie’s presentation also shed light on the evolving issue of vaping among students. She explained that vaping devices often resemble USB drives, making them discreet and difficult to monitor. The nicotine levels in these products can exceed traditional cigarettes, increasing the risk of addiction among young users. Owie stressed the importance of delaying substance exposure to prevent long-term addiction and urged community engagement to address these issues. The board members were encouraged to ask questions and engage with the data presented.

In a related discussion, the issue of vaping and cannabis use among students was further explored, focusing on the similarities in packaging between nicotine and THC vapes and the popularity of high-potency THC products among students. The conversation highlighted local data showing stable marijuana use rates among students post-legalization but noted that survey timing might have skewed results. The speaker emphasized the correlation between reduced parental disapproval and increased student use, advocating for addressing both substance use and mental health challenges.

The meeting also tackled the topic of budget management, with public comments raising concerns about the board’s budgeting methodology. Scott Castle from Glenwood criticized the board’s approach, which he described as relying on a “wish list” from the superintendent followed by tax distribution among residents. He questioned the lack of cuts to administrative costs and the board’s treatment of the state-imposed 2% tax cap as an automatic increase rather than a limit. Castle’s call for transparency and reevaluation of budget practices was echoed by other community members, who stressed the importance of prioritizing administrative and overhead cuts over reductions in teaching staff.

Further discussion on the budget revealed expectations of receiving 85% of Title II grant funding, with conservative budgeting strategies in place to manage potential revenue shortfalls. The board also reviewed the handling of surplus items, such as outdated library books and school equipment, considering options for auctioning or donation. The importance of securing funding for programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers was noted, highlighting its impact on student engagement outside school hours.

The meeting addressed the ANOVAT contract, with community members expressing dissatisfaction over revisions and the lack of transparency regarding increased costs and curriculum cuts. Concerns were raised about the contract’s effectiveness and its impact on student outcomes, with calls for detailed explanations and accountability from the board. The dialogue emphasized the need for transparent communication and careful scrutiny of educational program contracts to ensure they align with district goals and community expectations.

The need for ongoing dialogue between teachers and administrators was highlighted, with a focus on maintaining relevant and effective policies that address contemporary challenges, such as vaping and cannabis use among students.