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 or 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, students 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.

Cross References:
Board Policy 3200         Student 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         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
Chapter 70.155RCW     Tobacco – Access to Minors      

Management Resources: 
Policy News         Oct. 2010; Dec. 2010; July 2016; Oct. 2019

ADOPTED:  10/23/1997
REVISED: 11/24/98; 12/14/2000; 11/25/03; 2/24/11; 5/22/14; 9/22/16; 1/14/21