Harlan Co. Public Schools to follow new tobacco policy
Published 6:36 pm Friday, July 12, 2019
On June 27, Harlan County Public School administrators announced that as part of the newly enacted Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), all HCPS campuses, venues and parking lots are tobacco and vape free. Superintendent Brent Roark said it is now up to himself and other school administrators to see through the enforcement of the new policy.
“Enforcement of the new law will begin with education of our staff, students and the public,” Roark said. “We have to start by letting everyone know that the law has changed and there are no longer any acceptable places or times when tobacco products or vaping products can be used on school-owned property.”
After sharing the new policy on Facebook, many of the people following HCPS expressed thoughts of satisfaction. However, a handful of people believe the new policy will not change a person’s habits.
“The state legislature acted in a manner which they feel will contribute to improved overall public health,” Roark said. “There is no doubt of the harmful effects smoking and tobacco products have on our health.
“We lead our children and students by our actions far more than our words. It is our responsibility as educators to set a positive example for our students. This new statute/policy simply removes any ambiguity from previous statutes/policies in regard to the use of tobacco and vaping products.”
Roark added it is now up to the administrators and other employees to ensure the new policy is enforced consistently at all facilities and events.
“We fully realize that folks have used tobacco products in designated areas for decades, but this new law will force all of us to make changes,” Roark said. “The key to enforcement will be equality and fairness, we must apply the policy/law to all employees and campus visitors with no exception for coaches or anyone else. We must then apply the policy evenly but with courtesy to the public at all venues and events.
“I’m certain some folks will be upset, but they must understand that our employees have no option in both compliance for themselves as well as enforcement with the public when it comes to this statute/policy.”
Below is a copy of the new policy:
The use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product or vapor product, as defined in KRS 438.305, is prohibited for all persons and at all times on or in all property, including any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related student trip, or student activity and in the presence of student or students. Adequate notice shall be provided to students, parents and guardians, school employees, and the general public. Signage shall be posted on or in all property including any vehicle that is owned, operated, leased or contracted for use by the Board, clearly stating that the use of all such products is prohibited at all times and by all persons on or in the property. School employees shall enforce the policy. Persons in violation of this policy, in addition to fines which may be imposed by law, are subject to verbal warnings to refrain from use of the subject product. Refusal to refrain from such use or repeated instances of prohibited use after prior warnings may subject the individual to a ban from school property as permitted by law and corresponding civil and criminal penalties.
