W. Va. Code R. § 126-66-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-66-4 - Implementation

4.1. All county boards of education, schools and RESAs must have a tobacco control policy that meets the stipulations of this policy and adheres to the following guidelines by January 1, 1998. A copy of the county policy should be submitted to the Office of Student Services and Assessment in the West Virginia Department of Education for approval.

4.1.1. Administration: The tobacco control policy should make reference to:

a. the responsibility of school administration to implement provisions of this policy, specifically education, communication and enforcement provisions;

b. clear procedures for identification, intervention and referral of students with tobacco-related problems; and

c. maintenance of an environment for students, staff and visitors that presents no physical harm, discomfort or unsanitary condition resulting from tobacco product use.

4.1.2. Communication: The tobacco control policy must include, at a minimum, procedures for communicating the policy to students, school staff, parents or families, visitors and the community at large. This policy must be communicated through, at a minimum, the following mechanisms:

a. staff development;

b. employee and student handbooks;

c. parent/guardian notification; and

d. general public notification (e.g. signs, announcements)

4.1.3. Prevention Education: The tobacco control policy should reference, at a minimum, required K-12 tobacco prevention education as outlined in the following:

a. State Board of Education Policy 2520, Health Education; and

b. Safe and Drug-Free Schools guidelines.

4.1.4. Cessation Support Education: The tobacco control policy must address how the RESA, county or school plans to:

a. provide or refer, if available, to voluntary cessation education and support programs which address the physical, psychological and social issues associated with nicotine addiction and provide on-going support and reinforcement necessary for desired behavior change; and

b. provide information about available programs to all 7-12 grade students and staff on a regular basis.

4.2. Board Action: All county boards of education, schools, RESAs and the State Department of Education must develop procedures to assure compliance with the stipulations of this policy. Compliance is mandatory.

4.2.1. Enforcement provisions for students, staff and the public are to be included in policy.

a. Such action for students may include, but is not limited to: counseling, school/community service, parent guardian notification, mandatory education sessions, police notification, and/or prosecution.

b. Such action for staff may include, but is not limited to: referral to Employee Assistance Program (EAP), conference with supervisor, and disciplinary actions consistent with county, RESA or State Board of Education personnel policy.

c. Such action for the public may include, but is not limited to: request to stop use or leave premises, and police notification.

4.2.2. Enforcement measures should be aligned with:

a. State Board of Education Policy 4373, Student Code of Conduct;

b. State Board of Education Policy 5310, Personnel Staff Evaluation: Professional Responsibilities and Performance Standards;

c. State Board of Education Policy 1461, Drug-Free Workplace; and

d. W. Va. Code ''16-9A-1 through 16-9A-4, Tobacco Usage Restrictions.

4.2.3. In addition, the policy should include referral to law enforcement authorities for appropriate action on violations of W. Va. Code ''16-9A-1 through 16-9A-4 in accordance with measures outlined in individual school, county or RESA policies.

4.3. Policy Review: The tobacco control policy should include provisions to review the policy every two years and make appropriate modifications as necessary.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-66-4