CODE: 5131.61
SECTION: PUPILS
SMOKING PROHIBITION
A. The use of tobacco products has been determined to pose serious health risks. Scientific evidence has established that the use of tobacco products and exposure to secondary smoke causes disease and is life threatening. Therefore, the policy of the West Milford Board of Education, in accordance with the law and to protect the health and rights of everyone, will be to prohibit the use of tobacco products in any district building or property at any time except as part of a classroom instruction or theatrical presentation previously approved in writing by the building principal.
B. The Board prohibits the use by any person and possession by any pupil of any tobacco products at any time on the premises (in buildings and on the grounds owned and operated by the Board), at events sponsored by the district away from school (e.g., proms, field trips, class trips, etc.), and on any transportation vehicle operated or contracted by the Board of Education.
C. Appropriate notice of this policy shall be posted in the area of each school entrance, on all district-owned property including parking lots, athletic fields, playgrounds, etc. and shall be given to staff, pupils, and parents/guardians through appropriate school district publications.
D. For the purpose of this policy, "tobacco use" means the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter which contains tobacco or any controlled dangerous substance. Chewing tobacco is also prohibited by this policy.
E. The Superintendent of Schools, school principals, teachers and/or their agents shall order any person using tobacco in violation of this policy to comply with its provisions. Upon such an order, any such person, including pupils or district employees, who violates this policy may be subject to fine and court costs.
F. School administrators and their agents who maintain control over district buildings are responsible for enforcing this policy. The principal of each school building is authorized to report violations, in accordance with law. Pupils, district employees, and other persons who violate the provisions of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000