Colton Joint Unified receives county recognition as tobacco‑free; certification opens state funding opportunities

The Colton Joint Unified School District was formally recognized as a tobacco‑free certified district in a presentation to the board on Feb. 5, San Bernardino County education staff told trustees.

Beatrice Blake, program coordinator with the County Superintendent of Schools office, said the certification — awarded by the California Department of Education on a three‑year cycle — reflects district policies, administrative regulations and multi‑tiered systems of support for prevention and cessation. "Becoming a tobacco free district is not just a label, but a testament to your dedication to promoting wellness and preventing tobacco use among youth," Blake told the board.

Blake described practical benefits tied to the recognition: the county will make technical support available to the district for substance‑use prevention, mental‑health resources, nutrition and health‑education frameworks, and the district would qualify to apply for certain state funding when grant windows open next year.

The county presenter also emphasized student engagement and youth development as part of the work, and suggested including student groups in future recertification presentations to highlight campus efforts. No board action was required for the presentation; the certificate was presented as an acknowledgment of the district’s policies and implementation efforts.

The county office encouraged district staff to use the county team for coordination and to apply for relevant grants when the opportunity arises.