Vaping, Substance Abuse Focus Of New Edison Schools Committee

EDISON, NJ — The formation of an Ad-Hoc School Security Culture and Climate Committee - with a focus on vaping and substance abuse concerns - was declared by Board of Education President Biral Patel at the school board meeting on Tuesday, he said.

"It has been brought to my attention that issues persist, especially in our two high schools," he said in a statement at the meeting.

He said concerns about vaping and substance use are issues that students - and parents - must deal with. And he said he feels a committee focused on these matters can help.

The Ad-Hoc School Security Culture and Climate Committee would "address some of the concerns and overall culture of the schools." Not only will it look into all problem areas related to vaping and substance abuse, but come up with "enforceable solutions," Patel said.

Here are some of the goals of the committee:

• To develop enforcement so everyone feels safe.
• To update policies so administrators have the tools to address the issues.
• To go to the root of the problem so it can be addressed adequately.

Patel said school bathrooms have been identified as a problem area. So are vaping instruments, which escape notice, he said, because of the way they are packaged as normal goods such as pens.

Patel said he and the board will will work with Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli and his team, as well as principals from both high schools and with "a member or two from the Board of Education."

"As we work upon forming this in coming days, we can look into exploring other stakeholders and we will be happy to report back to the community on the progress. Meanwhile, please feel free to reach out to myself and Dr. Aldarelli via email anytime if you have any suggestions regarding this," Patel said.

He said one immediate step was approved on Tuesday with a contract for the purchase and installation of vape detectors at Edison High School and J.P. Stevens High School. The cost of the award is $152,759, according to the board agenda.

The Mayo Clinic said there are several hazards associated with vaping, including high levels of addictive nicotine, inflammation to delicate lung tissue with flavors and stabilizers, and the impact of nicotine on concentration and brain development. People under 21 can't buy tobacco products, including vape products, under federal law, Mayo Clinic says in its literature on the topic.

In another matter, the school board passed a resolution opposing a township ordinance that could expand areas allowing cannabis businesses, Patel said. The matter was scheduled to be discussed Wednesday by the Township Council.

"Resolved that the Members of the Edison Township Board of Education oppose Edison Township Council Ordinance .2211-2024, which would expand cannabis uses into additional areas of Edison, as it would have an impact on the Edison Township Public Schools," according to the school board resolution.

Patel had also sent a letter to the council in his personal capacity to oppose the ordinance.