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Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Substances

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 tobacco use on school property at all times. Tobacco includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, nicotine delivering devices, electronic smoking/vapor devices, “vapor pens”, non-prescribed inhalers, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances and any other tobacco innovation.
Any use of such products by staff, students, visitors and community members will be prohibited on school district property. Possession or distribution of tobacco products by minors is prohibited. This will include all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles.
The use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved nicotine replacement therapy is permitted. However, students must have a physician’s prescription for the FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy and must follow applicable policies regarding use of medication by students.

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.

Cross References:
Legal References:
Board Policy 3200 Board Policy 3241
Board Policy 5280
RCW 28A.210.310
RCW 70.155.080

Student Rights and Responsibilities Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishments Termination of Employment
Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property Purchasing, obtaining or possessing tobacco by persons under 18 — Civil infraction — Jurisdiction
Adoption Date: 06.12.95 
Revised: 06.12; 08.15 Essential

PATERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 50
P.O. Box 189  Paterson, WA 99345  Phone (509)875-2601  Fax (509) 875-2067