It is the policy of the Seattle School Board to prohibit the use of all tobacco products by staff, students, visitors, and community members in or on Seattle school district property, on school district-sponsored transportation, at school district-sponsored events, in district-owned vehicles, and within five hundred feet of schools. Following state law, the Seattle School Board also prohibits the possession of tobacco products by students under the age of eighteen in or on Seattle School District property, on school district-sponsored transportation, at school district-sponsored events, in district-owned vehicles, and within five hundred feet of schools.

For purposes of this policy, the term “tobacco products” shall include but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking/vapor devices and vapor products, non-FDA approved nicotine delivering devices, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other smoking/vaping equipment, material, or tobacco innovation.

The use of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved nicotine replacement therapy is permitted. However, students must have a medical provider’s prescription for the FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy, whether prescription or over-the-counter therapy, and must follow applicable policies and law regarding use of medication by students.

The school district shall notify students and school personnel of the tobacco prohibition and post signs prohibiting the use of tobacco products. Students and school personnel who violate this policy may be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, referral to a health care provider, intervention resources online, educational material on the risk of smoking and tobacco products, and, for students, possible disciplinary actions as noted in the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools.

Superintendent Procedure

• 4215SP – Tobacco Free Environment

Policy Cross References

• 2151 – Interscholastic Activities
• 3240 – Student Behavior and Disciplinary Responses
• 3416 – Medication at School
• 5201 – Drug-Free Schools, Community and Workplace
• 5280 – Termination of Employment
• 5281 – Staff Disciplinary Action and Discharge

Previous Policies

• F08.00 – Tobacco-Free Environment

Legal References

• RCW 28A.210.260 Public and private schools – Administration of medication – Conditions.
• RCW 28A.210.270 Public and private schools – Administration of Medication-Immunity from liability-Discontinuance, procedure.
• RCW 28A.210.310 Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property.
• Chapter 70.155 RCW Tobacco – Access to Minors.
• Chapter 70.345 RCW Vapor Products.

Management Resources

• Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools
• WSSDA Policy and Legal News, July 2016; February 2014

Revisions

• August 22, 2023 (per Policy No. 1310)
• November 16, 2016
• August 2014

Adopted

• September 7, 2011