• GBK: No Tobacco Use on District Property

    Policy

    The Board has a duty to protect and promote the health and well-being of all students and staff. The Board is acutely aware of the serious health risks associated with the use of tobacco products, both to users and nonusers, and that most tobacco use begins by the age of 18. The Board recognizes that staff and school visitors serve as role models to students and, therefore, adopts this 100% tobacco-free District policy to endorse a healthy lifestyle and prevent tobacco use.

    For the purpose of this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include any lighted or unlighted cigarette, electronic cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product, vaping product, tobacco substitute sand spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew and snuff, in any form.

    Tobacco Use Prohibited

    No staff member or volunteer is permitted to smoke, inhale, dip or chew tobacco at any time, including non-school hours:

    • In any building, facility or vehicle owned, leased, rented or chartered by the District or
    • On school grounds, athletic facilities or parking lots.

    No staff member or volunteer is permitted to smoke, inhale, dip or chew tobacco at any time, including non-school hours, at any school-sponsored event off campus.

    Tobacco Advertisements and Promotions

    Tobacco advertising is prohibited on school grounds, in all school-sponsored publications and at all school-sponsored events. Tobacco promotional items that promote the use of tobacco products, including clothing, bags, lighters and other personal articles, are not permitted on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored events.

    Providing Notice to Staff

    “No Tobacco” signs will be posted throughout the District at entrances and other appropriate locations in all academic buildings, administrative spaces and athletic fields. District staff will be provided notice of this policy through staff handbooks. District vehicles will display the international “No Smoking” insignia.

    Enforcement

    Disciplinary measures taken against staff for violations of this policy comply with the requirements of State law, related District policies and regulations and/or the staff negotiated agreements.

    Educational Reinforcement

    Tobacco use prevention education is closely coordinated with the other components of the school health program. Staff responsible for teaching tobacco use prevention education have adequate pre-service training and participate in ongoing professional development activities to effectively deliver the education program.

    The Board directs the Chief Executive Officer to educate all staff members concerning the mandate of this policy, as well as implementing, as appropriate, educational programming concerning smoking and, if needed, resources available to those who wish to discontinue their smoking habit.

    History

    • Adopted: June 23, 2020

    Legal References