Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
A strong Tobacco-Free Schools (TFS) policy lays the groundwork for effective tobacco and vaping prevention in schools. It ensures consistent expectations and procedures, even as leadership changes at the district or school level.
In Colorado, local Boards of Education are responsible for adopting policies that shape school environments. While state and federal laws provide guidance, local leaders and communities play a key role in how these policies are implemented.
This section offers an overview of Colorado’s education system, explains how TFS policies are developed, and includes sample policies to support your efforts.
Colorado's Education System
Colorado's Education System
The Colorado State Board of Education is an elected body that provides oversight and guidance on education issues. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE), as its administrative arm, implements state and federal education laws, distributes funds, licenses educators, monitors school and district performance, and ensures public transparency in performance and financial reporting.
Colorado is a "local control" state. This means key decisions, such as those about curriculum, graduation requirements, personnel, calendars, and discipline, are made by each of the 178 local school districts and their Boards of Education.
Colorado’s public schools include both traditional neighborhood schools and charter schools, which are publicly funded, tuition-free, and authorized by a local school district or another approved entity.
The state also supports Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), which provide shared services to two or more school districts. BOCES help districts access programs or resources they may not be able to afford or manage independently.
Policy Coding
Policy Coding
District policies tend to follow a consistent format based on guidance from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). CASB provides attorney-reviewed, sample policies that include the legally required policy language. School districts and Boards of Education can then customize these policies to meet the needs of their community.
Most districts now post their policies online (many use BoardDocs) and utilize a coding system from the National School Boards Association (NSBA). The coding system puts policies in letter coded sections. This letter coding is not an acronym, but provides a system to identify where the policy is located.
Since Colorado is a local control state, there are often differences in language used regarding policy. Some districts refer to the policies as the Board of Education Policies, District Policies, Administrative Policies, etc.
Policies Addressing Tobacco and Nicotine
Policies Addressing Tobacco and Nicotine
Tobacco and nicotine policies may appear as standalone sections or be embedded in broader student conduct and health policies. Common policy codes include:
ADC- Tobacco-Free Schools Policy
GBEC or GBED- Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace or Tobacco-Free Workplace
IHAM and IHAMA- Health Education Policy and Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
JDC- Student Conduct
JICG- Use of Tobacco by Students
JICH- Student Involvement Regarding Drugs and Alcohol
JK- Student Discipline
JKD/JKE-R- Suspension/Expulsion of Students (Hearing Procedures)
JLDAC- Screening and Testing of Students
IKF- Graduation Requirements (may include health education)
KHB- Advertising and Sponsorships
KFA- Public Conduct on School Property
Reviewing these policies helps identify how your district addresses prevention, discipline, and enforcement.
NOTE: Not all districts have these exact policies, as sometimes language is combined into another policy to streamline the number of policies. Some districts utilize a different coding system, as well.
Sample Tobacco-Free Schools Policies
Sample Tobacco-Free Schools Policies
Review Tobacco-Free School policies below to explore how districts across Colorado have addressed tobacco and nicotine use.
Sample ADC Policy from the Colorado Association of School Boards
Adams County School District 14. The policy addresses education for students, staff, and families. It also indicates that the district will not utilize out-of-school suspension for violations of the policy.
Douglas County School District- The policy calls out vaping education specifically and also addresses screening and in-school alternatives.
Advocate for Policy Change and Implementation
Advocate for Policy Change and Implementation
Advocating for stronger Tobacco-Free Schools (TFS) policies in Colorado involves understanding current policy, assessing gaps, and engaging the right people throughout the process. Here’s how to get started:
1. Review Existing Policies and Practices
Start by reviewing your district’s current TFS and related policies. Look beyond the written language, consider how these policies are being implemented in practice.
2. Assess Policy Strength
Use the TFS Policy Language Checklist to evaluate whether your policy meets Colorado state law and aligns with best practices.
If the policy is strong but implementation is lacking, focus on building resources and support for consistent and effective implementation.
If the policy needs updating, begin planning your advocacy strategy.
3. Engage Stakeholders and School Board Members
Bring together your core team and other allies, such as public health partners, school staff, and parent or student groups.
Learn from other districts’ successes and approaches.
Attend school board meetings and connect with board members to share your findings and gather their input.
4. Understand the Local Policy Change Process
Colorado is a local control state, so the process for adopting or amending policies varies by district.
Look for formal policy change procedures on your district’s website or in its policy manual.
Typically, proposed changes are introduced in writing, reviewed by the school board, discussed over multiple meetings, and opened for public comment.
5. Make the Case for Change
Policy revisions that go beyond legal requirements must be backed by:
Clear rationale and alignment with student health and equity goals
Community and youth voices
Evidence of implementation support and readiness
Keep in mind that policy change can take time, especially when districts are managing competing priorities like staffing, budgets, and academic mandates. Be persistent, build relationships, and keep students' well-being at the center of your advocacy.
Resources
Resources
Colorado State Board of Education
Colorado Department of Education - State, District, School, and Pupil Data
Colorado Department of Education-Health and Wellness Unit
Colorado Association of School Boards
Tobacco Free Colorado: Information about how Tobacco-Free School Policies protect kids from secondhand smoke and discourage them from starting smoking
Page updated
Report abuse