Policy 4215

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 and community members will be prohibited on 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 per RCW 26.28.080.  Possession, purchasing, or attempted purchase of tobacco products by minors under the age of 18 is  considered a class 3 civil infraction which may be subject to penalties as set forth in RCW 70.155.080

 The use of 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 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:    3241 Student Discipline

                                    3416 Medication at school

                                    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

RCW 70.155.080 Purchasing, possessing by persons under 18— Civil infraction

RCW 26.28.080    Selling or giving tobacco to minor – Belief of representative capacity, no defense – Penalty

Chapter 70.155, RCW  Tobacco – Access to minors

Management Resources:

2016 July Issue

2014 February Issue

2010 December Issue

2010 October Issue

 

Essential

La Center School District:

Adopted: December 12, 2006; Revised: February 26, 2019, February 25, 2025