Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products

Smoking, or use of other tobacco products, is prohibited by all persons, including students and staff, in all areas of district owned or leased buildings and surrounding grounds. Smoking, or use of other tobacco products, is also prohibited in all district owned or leased vehicles.

Additionally, smoking, or use of other tobacco products, is prohibited at any officially sanctioned school event which takes place off school grounds. For example, smoking is not permitted in the room (s) secured by the district or a school related group for a school function. Smoking, or use of other tobacco products, may be permitted in other areas of the off-site facility if permitted by law and by operators of the off-site facility.

Employee violations
Employees found smoking outside designated smoking areas or during school hours will be considered in violation of this policy. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, and up to and including dismissal, in accordance with New York state law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Student violations
Students found violating this policy will be referred to the County Public Health Department for prosecution to the Public Health Law, and may be subject to discipline penalties in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Code.

Visitor violations
Other individuals found violating this policy shall be asked to cease and desist and may be asked to leave the school premises if they do not comply. If an individual continues to smoke or use tobacco products and refuses to leave the school premises, the police authorities may be contacted to remove the individual.

Policy handbook
A Policy on Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products handbook are available at the district office, Academy Park, and at all district facilities. The handbook is also given to all employees and is distributed to all new employees upon hiring. Notice of the prohibition against smoking is also posted on all school grounds to inform the general public.

Anyone desiring information or clarification relative to these policies relating to smoking, or the use of tobacco products, should contact their appropriate supervisory personnel.

Pursuant to the Public Health Law, the Board of Education designated the Assistant Superintendent for Business as the agent of the district to be responsible for informing individuals who are smoking or otherwise using tobacco products in violation of this policy that they are acting in violation of this policy and of Article 13 of the Public Health Law of the State of New York.

This policy may be amended from time to time by resolution of the board. All amendments must be in conformance with Federal and New York State Law, and employees must be notified.

All individuals on school premises share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.

Student regulations

1. Any student who violates the district's smoking policy will be referred to the County Public Health Department for prosecution pursuant to the Public Health Law.

2. In addition to referral to the County Health Department, students may face additional penalties, including but not limited to:

• after-school detention

• in-school suspension

• out-of-school suspension

• suspension or removal from extracurricular activities in accordance with the district's extracurricular activity policy (including but not limited to participation in school trips, dances, the prom, sports, clubs, and other activities)

The first time a student violates the district's smoking policy, (s)he will be given the opportunity to attend a smoking cessation program instead of receiving a detention or suspension. A student's participation in the cessation program does not prohibit the district from enforcing its extracurricular policies against the students. For example, a student athlete caught smoking may still be suspended from his/her team, even if (s)he attends the cessation program.

Superintendent's Provision for Prevention Program
Understanding the severity of the consequences when a student violates the Smoking/Use of Tobacco Products Policy, the district will institute preventive strategies and activities aimed at educating students about the hazards of tobacco use.

• Mandatory coverage of this topic within the Know Your Body Curriculum K-6

• Mandatory coverage of this topic within the Comprehensive Health Curriculum 7-12

• Annual Health Fair held at Albany High School will feature a segment on the prevention of smoking and tobacco use

• Ongoing training of student assistance counselors on the secondary level in smoking cessation programs and alternatives to suspension

• Student Code of Conduct

• Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products on School Property

• Notice of Non-Discrimination

• Sex Offender Registry Information

• Pesticide Notice