Hutto school district introduces program to combat student vaping
HUTTO — The school district has partnered with law-enforcement agencies to give students caught smoking or vaping on campus a second chance instead of facing criminal charges.
Officials launched the First Offender Program this month, even though the academic year is almost over.
William Edwards, chief of the Hutto Independent School District police force, pushed for the May start to establish the program, create student awareness and work out any hiccups.
“We’ll probably wind up tweaking it, figure out ways to adapt if we have to. We’ve still been finding some ways to perfect it. We’re going to constantly look at ways that we can bring better, more effective content,” Edwards said.
It wasn’t that long ago that students caught smoking at school only received a slap on the wrist, but those days are gone.
Under state House Bill 114 passed in 2023, students now can be charged with criminal offenses if they’re caught smoking or possessing nicotine or THC products on a school campus or at a school-related event.
Hutto ISD, in conjunction with its officers, partnered with Williamson County Juvenile Services to launch FOP.
The initiative is aimed at giving students caught vaping or with vape paraphernalia a second chance before criminal charges are filed and they enter the juvenile justice system.
Edwards said officers rarely see “burning” cigarettes or “green, leafy” marijuana joints in school, but vaping is an epidemic.
“In 2024, vapes, either THC or nicotine, made up 50% of our incident reports,” Edwards said.
The rollout of the new program, Edwards said, is “vision brought to fruition.”
The program satisfies HB 114’s requirements but also aligns with the chief’s personal vision to help students before they appear in court.
Edwards credited Brooke Hall, senior director of juvenile services, for the collaboration involving the district, school police and county juvenile justice professionals including prevention specialists and probation supervisors.
“It’s an opportunity for change. Is every kid going to seize the opportunity? No. But we have a responsibility to provide them that opportunity and chance to learn something and grow and develop,” Hall said.
While acknowledging that underage smoking and vaping are illegal, Edwards said the program is not about punishing pupils but giving them better options.
“Through FOP, we’re able to address behaviors and decisions instead of trying to penalize them for it. It’s more of an educational base setting to have (students) make better choices,” Edwards said.
FOP is a voluntary program. If students choose to participate, then their offenses don’t move to the courtroom.
Instead, learners receive information, structure and support through the program’s online educational component,
a written reflection and weekly mentorship meetings with an officer. Hutto ISD Officer Randy Wheeler coordinates police mentors for FOP and is a one himself.
“My goal is to get on their level,” he said. “We meet weekly for 10–15 minutes. It’s a chance to check in, offer guidance and help them feel like they can talk to someone if they’re struggling.”
Students caught with nicotine attend a 60-day mentoring program with weekly check-ins done virtually or in person.
Students found in possession of THC attend the program from 60 to 90 days, and they must also complete educational courses and enroll in a substancemisuse program.
Parental participation is also required for THC cases, with both parents and students attending two education sessions hosted by juvenile services. Drug testing for the students is conducted halfway through the program and upon completion.
After going through FOP, students are then placed on a one-year probationary status. If during this timeframe they break the rules again, they will be charged with both the new and original offenses.
“It’s not just about consequences – it’s about ownership,” Edwards said. “This (program) helps students reflect on the impact of their decisions and learn from them, not just fear punishment.”
For more, reach out to Edwards at 512-7594711 or email [email protected].
