1615 - TOBACCO USE PREVENTION

The School Board recognizes that the use of tobacco presents a health hazard that can have serious consequences both for the user and the nonuser and is, therefore, of concern to the Board.

For the purposes of this policy 'tobacco' is defined to include any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product; split tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, nicotine pouch and snuff, in any form; and all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, vape, and hookah pens.

The use of tobacco products poses health issues for the user and second-hand smoke is a threat to the personal health of others. In addition, nicotine is a powerfully addictive substance and the use of tobacco products could lead to nicotine addiction. In order to protect students and staff who choose not to use tobacco from an environment noxious to them, and because the Board cannot, even by indirection, condone the use of tobacco, the Board prohibits the use of tobacco by administrators at all times within any facility or vehicle owned or leased or contracted for by the Board.

The Board also prohibits the use of tobacco anywhere on the campus of any facility owned or leased or contracted for by the Board, including, but not limited to, practice fields, playgrounds, football fields, baseball fields, softball fields, pool areas, soccer fields, tennis courts, and all open areas and shall remain in effect at all times. Furthermore, the Board prohibits the use of tobacco in all vehicles owned or operated by the Board, including, but not limited to, school buses, special purpose buses, vans, trucks, and cars.

Employees who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable policies of the Board.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines requiring the use of evidenced-based resources by staff who teach about the health hazards inherent in the use of tobacco products as part of the School Corporation’s curriculum and who provide counseling to students regarding smoking cessation.

The Superintendent’s administrative guidelines shall include a comprehensive plan to communicate the prohibitions set forth in this policy regarding the use of tobacco, as defined herein, by students, staff, parents, vendors and any other individuals in the Corporation’s schools, offices, and/or other School Corporation facilities, as well as on the grounds of the schools, offices and other Corporation facilities. The plan shall also communicate the prohibitions set forth in this policy regarding the use of tobacco as defined herein by those who drive, or are passengers in, Corporation vehicles of any type.

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