Hart County school board considers tougher tobacco policy

HART COUNTY — The Hart County Board of Education will consider a proposal from the county’s Board of Health next month that would expand their tobacco regulations to school property and for employees on duty.

The county board of health pushed for the new policy after it was introduced by the Georgia Department of Human Resources in November as a statewide proposal, said David Hicks, Hart County School superintendent. The issue was tabled by the school board on Monday night to give the public 30 days to review the proposal, which would expand the school system’s tobacco policy from a half-page to three pages.

Ronny Weaver, a member of the school board, said that he supports the new tobacco policy. At least 33 school systems in Georgia have adopted the “Model 100% Tobacco-Free Policy for School Districts in Georgia,” according to Georgia Department of Human Resources officials.

“It is more detailed as far as wording than the current policy,” Weaver said. “From an educational perspective, the school needs to set an example for the students, facility, and community.”

The current half-page Hart County policy prohibits smoking on property owned or leased by the school district and on school-owned vehicles. Smoking is also prohibited by school employees who are on duty. Employees who violate the policy could be subject to reprimand, suspension and termination.

The new policy restricts tobacco use by students, staff members and visitors at any building, facility, or in any vehicle owned, leased or chartered by the school district. Tobacco products are defined under the policy as cigarettes, candy cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco containers, among other products. Coffee mugs, T-shirts, or other items advertising tobacco are also considered tobacco products under the policy.

Student violators would be referred to the school guidance counselor, nurse, or other health services. Guardians would be contacted for all student violations and community service could be mandated. Students with multiple offenses could be suspended.

Staff members who violate the new policy could be given a verbal warning, written reprimand or become subject to termination. Visitors who use tobacco products would be asked to stop on school property or would be escorted off the property by law enforcement if they refuse.

Derek Cobb, the chairman of the school board, said that he expects the proposal will be unanimously approved by the board next month.

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