The Highline School Board 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, "vapor pens," other 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 district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles, and within 500 feet of schools. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to minors 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.
Cross Reference:
Rights and Responsibilities - Policy 3200
Medication at School - Policy 3416
Drug Free Workplace - Policy 5201
Termination of Employment - Policy 5280
Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook
Legal Reference:
Public and private schools — Administration of medication — Immunity from liability — Discontinuance, procedure - RCW 28A.210.270
Public and private schools — Administration of medication — Conditions - RCW 28A.210.260
Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property - RCW 28A.210.31
Tobacco – Access to Minors RCW Chapter 70.155
Management Resources:
Policy & Legal News - October 2010; December 2010; February 2014; July 2016
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: May 2014
Revised by the Board 10.16
Classification: Essential