ADC-R: TOBACCO, AND VAPE-FREE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The purpose of the following administrative procedure is to implement the mandates imposed by the various federal and state laws in addition to this School Committee’s “Tobacco Use and Possession” policy.
I. Prohibited Conduct
A. Students
The use, possession, sale, dispensing or distribution of tobacco products by students is prohibited in school buildings and facilities, during school-sponsored events including off-site events, on school grounds and buses Tobacco products refers to anything containing tobacco or nicotine.
B. Employees and All Other Persons
The use of tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems by employees and all other persons is prohibited in school buildings, facilities and on school buses during school-sponsored events, including off-site events, and at all other times on school grounds. In addition, employees and all other persons are strictly prohibited, under law and this School Committee’s policy/administrative procedure, from selling, dispensing or distributing tobacco products to students.
II. Enforcement
In order to enforce this policy, the following guidelines shall be utilized by the principal or designee of a school in which prohibited conduct occurs. The principal or designee shall report any violations of this policy/procedure, as promptly as practicable, to the Superintendent.
A, Student Violations
1st VIOLATION
1. Parents/legal guardians shall be notified regarding the tobacco violation. sent written notice regarding the tobacco violation which shall be signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the school.
2. The student will participate in a restorative process that includes the in depth program and learning materials. The student will also be subject to in school suspension for up to five-days.
3. Students are subject to a five day probationary period for extra-curricular activities. They may participate in practices and meetings, but may not participate in competition or events.
4. The student shall be referred to school nurse, school counselor, or designee for tobacco abuse counseling.
ADDITIONAL VIOLATIONS
1. Parents/legal guardians shall be notified regarding the tobacco violation which shall be signed by parent/legal guardian and returned to the school. A parent/legal guardian shall also be required to meet with principal or designee within five-days of the violation.
2. Up to five days in school or out of school suspension.
3. The student shall be referred to school nurse, school counselor, or designee for additional counseling which will include a parent/guardian active participation.
3. Students are subject to a ten-day probationary period for extra-curricular activities. They may participate in practices meetings, but may not participate in competition or events.
4. The student will participate in a restorative process which may include the Student Intervention Reintegration Program (SIRP).
5. Local law enforcement may be notified.
III. Notices
The School Committee’s policy and corresponding disciplinary actions for infractions of this policy shall be printed in employee and student handbooks.
Adopted: June 25, 2013
Revised: April 3, 2018; June 18, 2019; March 4, 2025
Legal References:
20 USC § 6081-6084 (Pro-Children Act of 1994)
22 MRSA § 1578-B
Me. PL 470 (An Act to Reduce Tobacco Use By Minors)