The students who created Breathe In Change at East Hampton High School, a group opposed to vaping, have also brought change there in the form of fewer student suspensions, more honest conversations, and a heightened awareness of the negative effects of vaping.
Their reach may go even further after Tuesday’s East Hampton School Board meeting, at which the board gave a unanimous go-ahead for Adam Fine, the high school’s principal, to explore the hiring of an addiction counselor for the district. It was a recommendation made by Breathe In Change, represented at the meeting by Olivia Davis, a senior, and Valeria Guevara, a junior.
“We want to see kids counseled and worked with because addiction is a disease,” Olivia said. “I have so many friends who want to get away from nicotine, but can’t because it’s an addiction.”
Valeria said students have been hesitant to join their group or speak publicly about vaping. “They’re not comfortable with it or their parents have no idea,” she said. “In general, it’s kids you wouldn’t ever imagine doing it.”
Members of the group have been tackling the issue since last fall, and even went to Washington, D.C., in December to testify before a congressional committee about addiction to vaping among youth.
Mr. Fine said student disciplinary suspensions have been down dramatically. In September and October, there were a total of 20 suspensions, he said, but fewer than one per month since then.
“Things could have gone underground or become more secretive, but we’re not seeing it as much,” he told the school board. “When it comes to a counselor, we have some proposals to increase mental health pieces. Looking for an addiction counselor is something I’m willing to do.”
Also on Tuesday, the school board gave the green light for the East End Arts Council, which coordinates a high school theater competition called the Teeny Awards, to hold its annual ceremony at East Hampton in June. Debbie Mansir, the high school’s drama program director, explained that the host school gets to perform a theatrical number, and students from 18 different high schools receive recognition in categories for acting, comedy, choreography, and stage direction, among others.
“It’s a huge day for the kids,” Ms. Mansir said. “The kids walk a red carpet; there’s a great deal of press. They are fashioned after the Tony Awards. There’s quite an array of opportunities for our kids.”
The school board also approved what is expected to be the final one-year contract extension for Richard Burns, the district superintendent, as the administration undergoes a major transition in the next two years.
Mr. Fine’s new contract, as assistant superintendent, was also approved by the board, as was his resignation from his principal position effective June 30. Robert Tymann, the current assistant superintendent, is retiring this year, and the school board last month announced plans to promote Mr. Fine first to assistant and then to superintendent after Mr. Burns retires.
Mr. Burns will be paid $240,000 next year, an increase of $10,000 over his previous contract, and Mr. Fine will earn $225,000.