4215: Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices

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 includes, but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices, “vapor pens,” non-prescribed inhalers, nicotine delivery devices or chemicals that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any smoking equipment, device, material or innovation.

Any use or possession of such products and delivery devices by students or any use by staff, visitors and community members will be prohibited on school district property. This will include all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles and within 500 feet of schools. 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.

Cross References

• Board Policy 3200 Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions and/or Interventions
• Board Policy 3416 Medication at School
• Board Policy 5201 Drug-Free Schools, Community and Workplace
• Board Policy 5280 Termination of Employment

Legal References

• RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools – Administration of medication –
• RCW 28A Conditions .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 Purchasing, obtaining or possessing tobacco by persons under 18 – Civil infraction – Jurisdiction
• RCW 70.345 Vapor Products

Management References

• Policy and Legal News, February 2014 Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Substances policy updated to address vapor devices
• Policy News, December 2010 Addressing the Use of “Electronic” Cigarettes
• Policy News, October 2010 Electronic Cigarettes