Policy: 4215
Community Relations
Use of Tobacco, 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 the use of tobacco products and delivery devices on school property at all times.
Tobacco products and delivery devices includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, “vapor pens”, non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices, or chemicals that are not FDA-approved to help people quit using tobacco or that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other 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 minors 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 shall be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and at other district facilities as determined by the superintendent and will be included in 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.
Cross References:
3200 – Rights and Responsibilities
3241 – Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action
3416 – Medication at School
5201 – Drug-Free Schools, Community and Workplace
5280 – Separation from Employment
Legal References:
RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools – Administration of medication – Conditions.
RCW 28A.210.270 Public and private schools – Administration of medication – Immunity from liability – Discontinuance, procedure.
RCW 28A.210.310 Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property
Tobacco – Access to Minors
Previously Policy No. 5136
Revised 8/2012, 5/2014, 11/2016