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High school senior urges Rio Rancho schools to adopt 24/7 nicotine‑free policy
Summary
Andrea Gorypaga, a Rio Rancho High School senior and member of Evolvement, urged the board to update district policy to a comprehensive 24/7 nicotine‑free standard and offered the group's free toolkit, bilingual signage and training to help comply with state rules.
Andrea Gorypaga, a high school senior and member of the youth‑led group Evolvement, used the public comment period to urge the Rio Rancho Public Schools board to adopt a comprehensive 24/7 nicotine‑free policy that would prohibit use, possession and distribution of nicotine products by anyone on school property at all times.
Gorypaga said a November 2023 NMPAD department rule requires districts to adopt comprehensive nicotine policies and that the district’s online policy documents still reflect older language. "The nicotine policies for students, staff, and school personnel must read that the use, distribution, and possession of all nicotine products is prohibited at all times," she said, and offered the group’s 24/7 toolkit, bilingual signage, and free training to support the district in updating its policy and meeting state expectations.
She also requested that the district provide referrals and supports for students and staff dealing with addiction and recommended progressive, supportive discipline measures for students. Evolvement members offered to partner with the district on sign placement, bilingual materials and in‑school presentations.
