Grant County Tobacco Control Policy

GBKA/JBKA

   Section 1. General

    1. 1.1    Scope.  This policy sets the requirement for schools in West Virginia to be tobacco free.
    2. 1.2    Authority.  West Virginia Code 16-9A-1 through 16-9A, and 18-2-5.  WV Board of Education Policy 2422.5A
    3. 1.3    Filing Date.  ______________
    4. 1.4    Effective Date. _________________
    5. 1.5    Replaces Policy. Existing policy GBKA/JBKA November 28, 1995

Section 2.  Purpose

2.1 The purpose of this policy is to prohibit the use or distribution of tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, in board-leased or owned vehicles, and at all school affiliated functions in order to improve the health of Grant County students and school personnel.  Students may not possess any tobacco product at any time.  The use of tobacco products has a direct link to numerous health problems and this policy is intended to prevent students, school personnel and visitors from being exposed to secondhand smoke and prevent youth addiction to tobacco products.  This policy is intended to promote a positive, pro-active approach to tobacco control.  In addition, school personnel shall act as positive role models for students by not distributing or using tobacco products while performing their official duties.

Section 3. Application

    1. 3.1  This policy shall apply at all times to any building, property or vehicle leased, owned or operated by the Grant County Board of Education.  This policy shall apply to any private building, or other property including automobiles or other vehicles used for school activities when students and/or staff are present.

3.2 No person shall distribute or use any tobacco product in any area defined in Section A of this policy at any time.

3.3 Individuals supervising students off school grounds are prohibited from distributing or using any tobacco product while in the presence of students or any time while engaged in any activities directly involving students.

3.4 No school or board property as defined in Section A of this policy, or school, or county publication may be used for advertising any tobacco product.

3.5 Groups using areas described in Section A shall sign agreements with the Board of Education agreeing to comply with this policy and to inform students, parents, and spectators that this policy remains in force on evenings, weekends, and other times that school is not in session.

Section 4. Administration

          4.1     Education/prevention programs will be delivered at all schools as a part of the drug-free schools program and as provided for the West Virginia State Board adopted instructional goals and objectives for health.

          4.1.1 Staff development will be scheduled to provide teachers and administrators with the skills/techniques to:

a.  Provide students with an instructional program that stresses the health hazards connected with tobacco use as well as the social ramifications.

b.  Deliver a strong message of zero tolerance.

c.  Address policy violations in a professional manner.

            4.1.2    Students and staff will be advised of available cessation classes.

            4.1.3    Each school in the county school district shall have a Tobacco Control Policy that meets the stipulations of this policy and adheres to the following guidelines.  This policy serves as school policy except where the need for school-level procedures or measures is indicated.  Compliance is mandatory.  Schools may impose additional strategies and restrictions not outlined in county policy provided they meet the tenets and intent of the county policy.

          4.1.4       Administration: Administration procedures for dealing with tobacco are the responsibility of all county and school administrators as follows:

          a.  It is the responsibility of each school administrator to implement provisions of this policy within their schools, specifically education, communication and enforcement provisions as outlined in this policy-, and

          b.  It is the responsibility for each school to develop clear procedures for identification, intervention and referral of students with tobacco-related problems to the school counselor, school nurse or other identified health professional.  These procedures should be included in the student and staff handbooks.

4.2 Enforcement

               4.2.1 Staff

Staff members who violate West Virginia Code § 16-9A-4, Tobacco Use Restrictions, shall be reported to law enforcement.

  1. a.       First Offense: Letter of reprimand to personnel file and referral to cessation classes.
  2. b.      Second Offense: Letter of reprimand to personnel file and employee must show proof he/she has enrolled in a cessation class within ten days and provide his/her supervisor proof of attendance until completion of class.
  3. c.       Third Offense: Same as second offense.
  4. d.      Fourth Offense and Each Additional Offense: One-day suspension without pay.  Employee must show proof of enrollment in a cessation class within ten days and provide his/her supervisor with proof of attendance in cessation class until completion of class.

                         4.2.2 Students/Minors Who Possess Tobacco Products

Schools will establish appropriate steps in disciplinary plans that are clearly stated in their respective school handbooks.

  1. a.        First Offense: Confiscation of product, administrative referral, notice to parents, and in-school suspension.
  2. b.      Second Offense: Confiscation of produce, administrative referral, notice to parents, and in-school or out-of-school suspension.
  3. c.        Third and Each Additional Offense: Confiscation of product, administrative referral, notice to parents, referral to law enforcement agency, and recommendation for out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

4.2.3 Students Who Furnish Tobacco Products to Minors

Any individual who gives or furnishes tobacco products to minors is in violation of the law and will be reported to the local law enforcement agency and recommendation for out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

 4.2.4 Visitors

    1. a.       First Offense: Offenders shall be asked by the school employee who witnesses the incident to cease the use  of tobacco products and shall be reported administrative personnel.
    2. b.      Repeat Offenders: Repeat offenders shall be reported to law enforcement. Failure by offenders to abide by this policy shall result in their being banned from all Grant County Board of Education property for a period of not less than one year and the filing of a complaint with law enforcement by the building administrator.

These enforcement measures are aligned with:

  1. ·        West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373, Student Code of Conduct;
  2. ·        West Virginia Board of Education Policy 5310, Personnel
  3. ·        Staff Evaluation: Professional Responsibilities and Performance Standards;
  4. ·        West Virginia Board of Education Policy 1461, Drug-Free Workplace; and
  5. ·        West Virginia Code § 16-9A-1 through 16-9A-4, Tobacco use Restrictions.

Section 5. Implementation Procedures

Communication

A.  Staff

All staff members will be provided a copy of the policy at the time of adoption.  New staff members shall be provided a copy of the policy at the time of employment.  A copy will be posted in the offices, workrooms, and the website of Grant County Schools.

B. Students and Parents

A copy of the policy will be provided to all students at the time of adoption.  The policy will be included in the school handbooks and on the Grant County Schools website.

C.Visitors

A copy of the policy will be posted in the main entrance to all Board facilities, and "tobacco free zone" signs shall be posted outside of all Board facilities and at the entrance to all athletic fields.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years and appropriate modifications made at the advice of school administrators, faculty, faculty senates, local school improvement councils, and parent organizations.
 
 
    
 
11/29/2009