FLEMING ISLAND – The School Board voted unanimously to revise its tobacco policy at its last meeting.
They revamped and updated School Board Policy 4.15 to replace a single-paragraph policy from the 1980s. The policy now includes provisions addressing tobacco, nicotine, marijuana and vaping to promote better health and well-being.

The policy prohibits the use, distribution, gift, purchase, sale, or exchange of tobacco or electronic vaping products by students, parents, employees, visitors or volunteers on school board property or at school-sanctioned events.
Students won’t be permitted to be under the influence of, use, possess, distribute, sell, purchase or exchange the products at school, utilizing district transportation or attending school-related field trips or events. Students and employees are prohibited from wearing or displaying personal items depicting tobacco or smoking.

The only exceptions are for individuals aged 21 or older using FDA-approved cessation products. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary actions for students, including expulsion.
The change was recognized. While developing the new policy, board members Erin Skipper and Mary Bolla were presented with the 2023 Tobacco Free Clay Appreciation Award by Monique Johnson, the Tobacco Policy Manager for the Tobacco Free Partnership of Clay County.
The organization is dedicated to reducing nicotine use and exposure.

“You and the (entire) School District have gone above and beyond for us. We’re really so appreciative of what you do, and we could not have done this work without you,” Johnson said.
Skipper, a member of the Tobacco Free Clay Committee and a nurse, said she sees the everyday effects of the products. Skipper and Bolla worked with the rest of the board to start crafting the new policy two months ago.

“Just seeing the impact this has on our school children and the health of everyone around us, this furthers education on the (damaging effects) of tobacco and vape usage. Students can get help, and this holds us accountable,” Skipper said.

Skipper said the policy will have a far-reaching impact on students.
“I believe this was a big win for our District, and that this positively impacts our school children,” she said.