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Student group urges district to adopt 24/7 tobacco-free school policy consistent with PED rule
Summary
A Rio Rancho high school student urged the board to update district tobacco policies to meet the New Mexico Public Education Department's new requirement for comprehensive, around-the-clock tobacco-free rules.
Andrea Gory Pagan, a Rio Rancho high school junior and member of the youth group Evolvement, asked the board to update district tobacco policies to a 24/7 comprehensive standard that bans use, possession and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products anywhere on school property or at school-sponsored events.
Gory Pagan said the state Public Education Department adopted a rule in November 2023 requiring districts to adopt comprehensive tobacco policies and that Evolvement can provide signage, bilingual materials and a "20 4 7 school kit" at no cost to help districts implement the policy. She urged the board to update policies for students, staff and visitors and to provide supportive resources for cessation referrals and progressive, supportive discipline for students.
Why it matters: PED now requires districts to adopt comprehensive tobacco policies; Gory Pagan offered free resources and student-led assistance to help Rio Rancho comply.
Ending The board accepted materials for the record and noted staff would follow up as needed.
