4215 Policy – Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Substances

Bellingham Public Schools 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 services on school property at all times. Tobacco products and delivery services include, but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, 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 within 500 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 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.

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Cross References:

Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

Policy 3416 - Medication at School 

Policy 5201 - Drug Free Schools, Community and Workplace

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 70.155, RCW Tobacco  Access to Minors

Management Resources:

Policy News, October 2018

Policy News, July 2016

Policy News, February 2014

Policy News, December 2010

Policy News, October 2010 

 

Adopted: 9/10//98

Revised: 2/18/20

Superintendent or Board Approved: Superintendent Approved