ADC Tobacco-Free Schools - Use and Possession of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices
In order to promote the health and safety of students, staff, and other adults, including visitors/parents/guardians, the Board prohibits smoking and all other use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, in school buildings on school property (including during public events and when school is not in session), on school buses or in any other school department vehicle, at any time by all persons.
"Electronic smoking device" means a device used to deliver nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that may be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor or aerosol from the device, including, without limitation, a device manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic pipe, electronic hookah or so-called vape pen.
Students are further prohibited from possessing, selling, distributing or dispensing tobacco products or electronic smoking devices at any time on school property, in school buses or other vehicles used to transport students, and during school-sponsored events and activities, wherever they take place.
Employees and all other persons are strictly prohibited, under law and Board policy, from selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products or electronic smoking devices to students. Employees may not use tobacco products or electronic smoking devices at any time while supervising students, whether on or off school property.
In enacting P.L. Ch. 308 (2017), "An Act to Reduce Youth Access to Tobacco Products," the Maine Legislature raised the age for sales of tobacco products (including electronic smoking devices) from 18 to 21 (with the exception of persons who had reached 18 years of age as of July 1, 2018).
[Policy Communication:]
This policy will be communicated through a variety of efforts to educate students, school staff, parents, and visitors. Tobacco-free signs posted in highly visible areas at facility entrances and throughout the school property, including athletic facilities. The policy will be listed on the school website and printed in employee, student and adult education booklets on an annual basis.
[Policy Enforcement]:
Everyone is required to comply with the RSU 1 tobacco-free policy. Enforcement of this policy will follow the standard procedures of the school for each audience. All school staff are expected to enforce the policy under the direction of the Principal. The Principal shall report any violations of this policy/procedure, as promptly as practicable, to the Superintendent.
Legal Reference: 22 MRSA ยงยง 1541, 1551, 1578-B
Me. PL Ch. 61 (2019) (An Act to Prohibit the Possession and Use of Electronic Smoking Devices on School Grounds)
20 USC 6081-6084 (Pro-Children Act of 1994)
Cross Reference: JICA -- Student Dress
JL -- Student Wellness
KF -- Community Use of School Facilities
KHB -- Advertising in the Schools
Adopted: April 28, 2014
Revised: March 26, 2018; January 25, 2020
Information regarding tobacco treatment resources, such as onsite counseling and the Maine Tobacco HelpLine (1-800-207-1230) will be available for tobacco users who are interested in quitting.
This is a required policy.