Policy 4215
Use of Tobacco, Nicotine Products and Delivery DevicesThe 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 tobacco use 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, devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other smoking equipment, device, material or innovation.
Any use of tobacco products and delivery devices by staff, students, visitors and community members shall be prohibited on school district property, including all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products by minors is prohibited and considered a class 3 civil infraction which may be subject to penalties as set forth in RCW 70.155.080.
Notices advising students, district employees and community members of this policy shall be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and at other district facilities as determined by the superintendent and shall 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: 3200 Rights and Responsibilities
3241 Classroom Management, Discipline and Corrective Actions
5280 Separation from Employment
Legal References: RCW 28A.210.310 Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property
RCW 70.155.080 Purchasing, obtaining or possessing tobacco by Minors — Civil infraction
Chapter 70.155, RCW Tobacco – Access to minors
La Center School District: Adopted: December 12, 2006; Revised: February 26, 2019