The Board of Trustees recognizes that smoking and other uses of tobacco and nicotine products constitute a serious public health hazard and are inconsistent with district goals to provide a healthy environment for students and staff.  The Board prohibits the use of tobacco products at any time in district-owned or leased buildings, on district property, and in district vehicles. 

This prohibition applies to all employees, students, and visitors at any school-sponsored instructional program, activity, or athletic event held on or off district property.  Any written joint use agreement governing community use of district facilities or grounds shall include notice of the district's tobacco-free schools policy and consequences for violations of the policy.

The products prohibited include any product containing tobacco or nicotine, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew, clove cigarettes, betel, electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and other vapor-emitting devices, with or without nicotine content, that mimic the use of tobacco products.

This policy does not prohibit the use or possession of prescription products and other cessation aids that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, such as nicotine patch or gum.

Smoking or use of any tobacco-related product or disposal of any tobacco-related waste is prohibited within 25 feet of any playground, except on a public sidewalk located within 25 feet of the playground.  In addition, any form of intimidation, threat, or retaliation against a person for attempting to enforce this policy is prohibited. (BP 3513.3)

Any person who violates the district's policy on tobacco-free schools shall be informed of the district's policy and asked to refrain from smoking.  If the person fails to comply with this request, the Superintendent or designee may:

1.         Direct the person to leave school property

2.         Request local law enforcement assistance in removing the person from school premises

3.         If the person repeatedly violates the tobacco-free schools policy, prohibit him/her from entering district property for a specified period of time.  (AR 3513.3)