4215 - Use of Tobacco, Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices

BOARD POLICY No. 4215

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 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 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 visible from school grounds. 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 shall be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and 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.

Cross References:
Board Policy 3200 Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Action
Board Policy 3416 Medication at School
Board Policy 5201 Drug-Free Schools, Community and Workplace
Board Policy 5280 Termination of 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
RCW 70.155.080 Purchasing, possessing by persons under eighteen

Adopted: July 16, 2002
Revised: July 21, 2020