7434 - USE OF TOBACCO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The School Board recognizes that the use of tobacco presents a health hazard that can have serious consequences 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; spit 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 and 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 from the adverse impact of tobacco smoke on indoor air quality and encourage students to not use tobacco in any form, the Board prohibits the use of tobacco within any facility 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.

The Superintendent and Building Principals shall ask an individual who is smoking in violation of this policy to refrain from smoking and cause to be removed from School Corporation property an individual who is smoking in violation of this policy and fails to refrain from smoking after being asked to refrain from smoking.

Revised 12/14/15

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