4215 Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices

The Board of Directors recognizes that to protect students from exposure to the addictive substance of nicotine, employees and officers of the school district, and all members of the community, have an obligation as role models to refrain from use of tobacco products and delivery devices on school property at all times. Tobacco products and delivery devices include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices and vapor products, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices or chemicals that are not Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to help people quit using tobacco, devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other smoking equipment, device, material, or innovation.

Any use of such products and delivery devices by staff, students, visitors, and community members will be prohibited on all school district property, including all district buildings, grounds, and district-owned vehicles, and within five hundred feet of schools. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to any person under twenty-one years of age is prohibited.

The use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge is permitted. However, students and employees must follow applicable policies regarding use of medication at school.

Notices advising students, district employees, and community members of this policy will be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and at other district facilities as determined by the superintendent, and will be included in the employee and student handbooks. Employees and students are subject to discipline for violations of this policy, and school district employees are responsible for the enforcement of the policy.