1401 Tobacco-Free School Policy

Personnel Washington County School District - Adopted 11-11-08

Table of Contents

1.  Purpose
2.  Policy -- Tobacco Use Prohibited
3.  Procedure

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1. Purpose

The Washington County Board of Education recognizes that the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are a health, safety, and environmental hazard for students, employees, visitors, and school facilities. The board believes that the use of tobacco products on school grounds, in school buildings and facilities, on school property or at school related or school-sponsored events is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff and visitors. The Board acknowledges that adult employees and visitors serve as role models for students. The Board recognizes that it has an obligation to promote positive role models in schools and promote a healthy learning and working environment, free from unwanted smoke and tobacco use for the students, employees, and visitors on the school campus. Finally, the Board recognizes that it has a legal authority and obligation pursuant to the Utah Clean Air Act, UCA § 26-38-2(k) and UCA § 76-10-105.
 

2. Policy -- Tobacco Use Prohibited

2.1. No student, staff member or school visitor is permitted to use any tobacco product or electronic cigarette at any time, including non-school hours:

2.1.1. in any building, facility, or vehicle owned, leased, rented or chartered by the Washington County School District;

2.1.2. in private vehicles located on school parking lots or District property;

2.1.3. on any school grounds or District property – including athletic fields and parking lots –owned leased, rented or chartered by the Washington County School District; or

2.1.4. at any school-sponsored or school-related event on-campus or off-campus.

2.2. In addition, school district employees, school volunteers, contractors or other persons performing services on behalf of the school district also are prohibited from using tobacco products or electronic cigarettes at any time while on duty and in the presence of students, either on or off school grounds.

2.3. Further, no student is permitted to possess a tobacco product or electronic cigarette while in any school building, while on school grounds or property or at any school-sponsored or school –related event or at any other time that students are under the authority of school personnel.

2.4. No student or staff member is allowed to advertise with T-shirts, banners, or any other media type tobacco or tobacco related products, including electronic cigarettes, on school or District property, at functions, or in school publications.

2.5. Tobacco products may be included in instructional or research activities in public school buildings if the activity is conducted or supervised by the faculty member overseeing the instruction or research and the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting the tobacco product.

3. Procedure

3.1. Definition of Tobacco Products and Tobacco Use -- For the purposes of this policy, “tobacco product” is defined to include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, blunts, bid is (filter-less cigarettes containing tobacco and wrapped in nonporous leaves sold in a variety of flavors), pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any other items containing or reasonably resembling tobacco or tobacco products. “Tobacco use” includes smoking, chewing, dipping, or any other use of tobacco products.

3.2. Notification will be posted in a manner and location that will adequately notify students, staff and visitors of about the District Tobacco-Free Schools Policy. Students and staff will also be made aware of the policy a meeting, an assembly, or by written communication.

3.3. Enforcement for Students

3.3.1. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures described in WCSD Policy 2110, Safe Schools. As an alternative, district or school administration may allow the student to participate in a tobacco awareness program. The student is required to demonstrate s/he has obtained and read up-to-date information on the many consequences of tobacco use; research, find, and enroll in a youth tobacco cessation program; and show progress in a program or techniques that help stop tobacco use.

3.3.2. Repeat violations will result in suspension or expulsion in accordance with WCSD Policy 2110.

3.4. Enforcement for Staff and Visitors -- Consequences for employees who violate the tobacco use policy will be in accordance with WCSD Policy 1450,
Discipline and Termination and will include possible verbal warning, written reprimand, or termination.

3.4.1. Visitors to the District facilities must comply with regulations set forth by this policy:

3.4.2. Smoking or the use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes by visitors is prohibited. This includes activities during non-school hours and all functions of the school, athletic or otherwise. This also includes activities sponsored by other organizations that use District property.

3.4.3. Visitors found in violation of this policy will be informed of the school’s tobacco-free policy and will be asked by the appropriate school official to refrain from smoking or tobacco use, including electronic cigarette use, while on District property. If the visitors do not comply, they will be asked to leave. If they refuse to leave, law enforcement officers will be contacted to escort the person off the premises, take appropriate legal action, or cite the person for trespassing.

3.4.4. Subsequent violations by the same individual may result in a referral to the local law enforcement.

3.5. Opportunities for Cessation -- Students, employees, visitors, and patrons are encouraged to seek assistance to abstain from the use of tobacco products. (Southwest Center Prevention Services  634-5604)

3.6. Prevention Education -- The administration may consult with appropriate health organizations to identify and provide programs or opportunities for students to gain a greater understanding of the health hazards of tobacco use and the impact of tobacco use as it relates to providing a safe, orderly, clean and inviting school environment.

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