BP 3513.3Tobacco-Free Schools-Tobacco Use

The Board recognizes its responsibility to promote the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and others on District property and at school-sponsored activities.

Ample research has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and the breathing of second-hand smoke. As role models, District employees and visitors should demonstrate conduct that is consistent with school programs to discourage students from using tobacco products.

In accordance with law and to promote the health and safety of all students and staff, it is the intent of the Board to establish a tobacco-free environment.

1. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, consuming, displaying, promoting, or selling any tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, imitation tobacco products, or lighters at any time on District property or at any school-sponsored activity or meeting.
2. Administrators, staff, and visitors are prohibited from using, consuming, displaying, activating, promoting, or selling any tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, imitation tobacco products, or lighters at any time on District property or at any school-sponsored activity or meeting. This includes products or paraphernalia displaying tobacco industry brands.
3. It is a violation of this policy for anyone at the District to solicit or accept any contributions, gifts, money, curricula, or materials from the tobacco industry or from any tobacco products shop. This includes, but is not limited to, donations, monies for sponsorship, advertising, alleged educational materials, promotions, loans, scholarships, or support for equipment, uniforms, and sports and/or training facilities. It will also be a violation of this policy to participate in any type of service funded by a tobacco industry while in the scope of employment for the District.
4. It is a violation of this policy for any person to promote, or for the District to promote or allow promotion of tobacco products, tobacco related devices, or imitation tobacco products on school property or at off-campus, school-sponsored events. This includes promotion of these products via gear, technology, accessories, bags, clothing, any personal articles, signs, structures, vehicles, flyers, or any other materials.
5. The District will act to enforce this policy and to take appropriate action against any student, staff, administrator, parent, contractor or visitor who is found to have violated this policy.

Staff and/or all others authorized to use District vehicles to transport District students to school-sponsored activities are prohibited from using tobacco in those vehicles.

For the purposes of this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include tobacco in any form and/or any nicotine delivering devices. This does not include FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy products used for the purpose of cessation.

This policy will be in effect and enforceable at all times regardless of whether or not school is in session. The Superintendent will post appropriate signs prohibiting tobacco use in accordance with law.

The Superintendent may develop administrative regulations as necessary to implement this policy, including provisions for notification of the District’s policy, through such means as student/parent and staff handbooks, newsletters, inclusion on school event programs; disciplinary consequences; and procedures for filing and handling complaints about violations of the District’s policy.

The Superintendent will consult with local officials to promote enforcement of law that prohibits the possession of tobacco by minors on or off district grounds.

This prohibition does apply to any private residence owned or leased by the District for housing purposes.

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
18.35.301-18.35.359 Prohibition of Smoking