TOBACCO/NICOTINE/VAPING DEVICES USE AND POSSESSION

The School Board, in order to promote the health and safety of all learners, staff and visitors, and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, prohibits smoking and the use of all other tobacco products including nicotine delivery devices and paraphernalia, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and “vaping devices” in school buildings, facilities, on school buses and vehicles, during school-sponsored events and at all other times on school grounds by all persons, including learners and employees, regardless of their age. The policy is in effect 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. This includes all functions taking place on school grounds, such as athletic events or other activities not associated with, or sponsored by, the school.

In addition, learners and others under the age of 18, are further prohibited from possessing, selling, distributing or dispensing tobacco products, including nicotine delivery devices and paraphernalia, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and “vaping devices”, in school buildings, facilities, on school grounds and buses/vehicles during school-sponsored events and at all other events, programs, or activities that are an extension of AOS 98 and its member schools. Employees and all other persons are also strictly prohibited, under law and this Board’s policy, from selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products, including nicotine delivery devices and paraphernalia, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and “vaping devices”, to learners.

Legal Reference: 22 MRSA §§ 1578(B), 1580(A) (3) Me. PL 470 (An Act to Reduce Tobacco Use by Minors) 20 USC 6081-6084 (Pro-Children Act of 1994) Me. PL156 (An Act to Protect Children’s Health on School Grounds)

Cross References: ADC-R – Tobacco Use and Possession Administrative Procedure

Revised: 1-25-2017

Revised 2-27-2019