Nottoway board adopts tighter cell‑phone and vaping rules; $25 vaping education fee questioned

The Nottoway County School Board voted Aug. 14 to adopt an amended 2025–26 student code of conduct that tightens cell‑phone restrictions and increases consequences for nicotine vaping, while asking administrators to confirm the legality of attaching a $25 fee for required vaping education.

Superintendent Doctor Martin (speaker 3) presented the changes to the code. Key elements the board approved include a bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone policy requiring devices to be kept in backpacks or vehicles and a clear exception process for documented medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Section 504 accommodation plans. The revised policy enumerates stepwise responses for violations.

On vaping, the code prescribes confiscation and parent notification for a first offense, plus mandatory completion of a one‑hour vaping awareness and prevention education course and two days of in‑school suspension (ISS); the school would pay the fee upfront and attempt to recoup $25 from the family, with unpaid fees attached to a student’s record until graduation per the presentation. Second and subsequent offenses carry progressively longer ISS/OSS and removal from extracurricular activities.

A board member asked whether the division can legally levy the $25 fee as a disciplinary requirement; Superintendent Martin said staff would verify statutory authority and report back. During discussion, administrators emphasized exceptions and due process in cases with medical or disability‑related needs.

The board moved to approve the code as amended. The motion passed by voice vote; the chair called for ayes and heard no opposition on the record.

Next steps: staff will confirm the legal basis for collecting a $25 education fee tied to discipline before enforcing that component and will circulate the finalized code and implementation details to principals and families.