Policy 4215 - Use Of Tobacco, Nicotine Products And Delivery Devices

The Board of Directors of the Richland School District 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 the 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 all school district property, including all district buildings, grounds and district-owned vehicles. Possession by or distribution of tobacco products to any person under twenty-one years of age is prohibited. 

The use of the Food and 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 Policy 3416 Medication at School and Policy 5201 Drug-Free Schools, Community, and Workplace, respectively. 

Notices advising district employees, students and community members of this policy must be posted in appropriate locations in all district buildings and at other district facilities as determined by the superintendent or designee and will be included in the employee and student handbooks. Employees and students are subject to discipline for violations of this policy. District employees are responsible for enforcing this policy. 

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