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Public commenter urges district to adopt stronger nicotine‑free policy for students and staff
Summary
Sam Columbo of the 247 Campaign asked the board to clarify policy language to prohibit tobacco and nicotine use “at all times,” extend referral resources to staff and consider sample policy language and toolkit provided by the group.
During the citizen comment portion of the Dec. 17 meeting, Sam Columbo, manager of the 247 Campaign, urged the board to adopt or revise district policy language to ensure comprehensive nicotine‑free schools.
Columbo said his organization helps school districts “adopt, implement and enforce truly comprehensive tobacco‑free school policy” and recommended edits including adding the phrase “at all times” to prohibit use, distribution and possession by students, staff and visitors, and extending referrals and cessation resources to staff. He said the state Public Education Department issued a rule last November requiring comprehensive policies and offered the district a free toolkit and signage.
Columbo said he has emailed proposed language and offered further assistance to the district. Board members thanked him for the resources; no action or vote was recorded at the meeting on policy changes.
