Tobacco-Free Policies for California School Districts and County Offices of Education

1. Tobacco-Free Policies for California School Districts and County Offices of Education

2. Why Tobacco-Free Policies? • Public health issue • Protects children, staff, and visitors • Federal law already requires no smoking in school buildings • California law prohibits smoking within 20 feet of entrances • Many public and private institutions prohibit tobacco use

3. Top Ten Reasons Your School District should be 100% Tobacco-Free

4. Number 10 Certified tobacco-free agencies may apply for TUPE competitive grant funding.

5. Number 9 Tobacco-free policies reduce the risk of fires due to "smoking materials."

6. Number 8 100% TF policies protect schools from the risk of future liability by prohibiting smoking on school premises.

7. Number 7 100% Tobacco-free policies prepare students for the reality of tobacco-free workplaces and communities.

8. Number 6 The 100% Tobacco-free policy helps ensure compliance with state laws designed to limit access to tobacco by children. 

9. Number 5 100% Tobacco-free policies comply with Federal Legislation prohibiting smoking inside school buildings. 

10. Number 4 100% Tobacco-free policies protect children from developing an addiction to a dangerous drug. 

11. Number 3 Lessons learned in the classroom are reinforced with the 100% Tobacco-free policy.

12. Number 2 100% Tobacco-free provide positive role modeling by adult employees and visitors.

13. #1 Reason Your School District should be 100% Tobacco-Free

14. 100% Tobacco-Free districts provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. 

15. Requirements for Tobacco-Free Policies • Prohibition of all tobacco products • Communication of board policy and enforcement procedures • Permanent signs stating “Tobacco Use is Prohibited” • Information about tobacco cessation programs

16. Prohibition of Tobacco Products • Prohibits use of tobacco products • Anytime, anywhere on agency property, owned or leased, • and in agency vehicles • Should address use by staff, students, and visitors including joint use of property • Recommended it addresses acceptance of tobacco industry funds or materials

17. Communication of Policy and Enforcement Procedures • Clearly communicated to staff, students, parents/guardians, and the larger community • Handbooks • Community newsletters • Sport event announcements • Civic use permits

18. Signage • Displayed at all entrances to agency property • May be combined with other prohibitions • Must prohibit tobacco use, not just smoking

19. Tobacco Cessation Information • Made available to staff and students • Encourage cessation for staff and students • Not required to provide actual services unless specified in TUPE grant

20. Why Should My District Certify Its Policy? • Only certified school districts, direct-funded charter schools, and county offices of education may apply for TUPE funds

21. How Does My District Certify Its Policy? • School districts and direct-funded charter schools certified by the County Office of Education • County Offices of Education certified by the California Department of Education • Information available on the CDE’s Tobacco-Free School District Certification Web page at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/tobaccofreecert.asp

22. Questions on Tobacco-Free Policy Certification? Contact your County Office of Education TUPE Coordinator List available at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/countycoordinators.asp Questions on Tobacco-Free Policies? Contact John Lagomarsino 916-323-1540 jlagomarsino@cde.ca.gov