The board is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for staff, students, and citizens. The board believes that education has a central role in establishing patterns of behavior related to good health and that measures are necessary to help its students to resist tobacco use. The board is concerned about the health of its employees and also recognizes the importance of adult role-modeling for students during formative years. Therefore, the board shall discourage the use of tobacco products by its staff and students. The Technology Center will refer employees, parents/guardians, family members, and students (13 and older) interested in quitting tobacco use to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and other available cessation resources.
Tobacco on Campus
Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products or vapor products in any form is prohibited on technology center property by all persons. This prohibition includes school buildings, grounds, and school-owned vehicles. Possession of tobacco products or vapor products by minor students on school property is prohibited. This policy also applies to students and staff at any off-site, school sponsored meeting or event, including, but not limited to, field trips and athletic events.
Marijuana on Campus
Smoking, vaping, or possessing marijuana (as defined in Board of Education Policy, Medical Marijuana, Hemp & Cannabidiol (CBD)) on technology center property is strictly prohibited. Refer to the technology center’s policy on Medical Marijuana, Hemp & Cannabidiol (CBD) for further information.
Posting Signs Pursuant to this Policy
At or near each entrance of every technology center building the following sign shall be conspicuously posted: Tobacco or Marijuana Smoking or Marijuana Vaping is Prohibited.
Definitions
“Tobacco products” includes, but is not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, rolling papers, chewing tobacco, snuff, matches and lighters.
“Vapor product” includes noncombustible products that may or may not contain nicotine, that employ a mechanical heating element, battery, electronic circuit or other mechanism, regardless of shape or size, that can be used to produce a vapor in a solution or other form. “Vapor product” shall also include any vapor cartridge or other container with or without nicotine or other form that is intended to be used with an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or similar product or device and any vapor cartridge or other container of a solution, that may or may not contain nicotine, that is intended to be used with or in an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo or electronic device. “Vapor product” does not include any products regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration under Chapter V of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
“Smoking” means the carrying by a person or having access to a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other lighted smoking article, expressly including lighted marijuana and active vaporizing devices. Smoking also includes using products which mimic or simulate smoking behavior, regardless of whether such products actually contain tobacco. This prohibition includes but is not limited to vapor products as defined in this policy.
Enforcement
The success of this policy will depend upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All individuals on school premises share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy. Any individual who observes a violation on school property may report it in accordance with the procedures listed below.
Students
Any student using, possessing or distributing tobacco products or vapor products in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures, including out-of-school suspension, pursuant to the board’s policies regarding student discipline.
Staff
Any violation of this policy by staff will be referred to the appropriate supervisor. One written warning will be issued to the staff member with a copy placed in his or her personnel file. Further violations will be considered willful neglect of duty and will be dealt with accordingly based on established policies and procedures for suspension, demotion, dismissal and nonrenewal of staff.
Citizens
Citizens who are observed smoking or using tobacco products or vapor products on technology center property in violation of this policy will be asked to refrain from using these products on technology center property. If the individual fails to comply with the request, his or her violation of policy may be referred to the executive director of instructional development or other supervisory personnel responsible for the area or program during which the violation occurred. The supervisor shall make a decision on further action which may include a directive to leave technology center property. Repeated violations may result in a recommendation to the superintendent or board of education to prohibit the individual from entering technology center property for a specified period of time. If deemed necessary by the school administration or the board of education, local law enforcement officials may be called upon to assist with enforcement of this policy.
Reference: 70 O.S. §§ 1210.212, 1210.213