Schools working on tobacco policy

Alexander Local School District is working on a plan that would prohibit the use of tobacco on school grounds at all times.

District officials formed a committee to look at this issue Tuesday during a school board meeting. They want to develop a policy that completely eliminates the use of tobacco on school grounds by everyone, including students and staff, said Robert Bray, district superintendent.

"We want the community and teachers to advocate procedures that lead to a smoke-free environment," he said.

If a policy is formed, it will be implemented during the next three years. Eventually, the policy would extend to all activities, including sporting events on school property, Bray said.

"We hope we will gradually develop and implement the program over that period," he said.

Tobacco currently is forbidden inside the school buildings and on buses, Bray said. Student possession of tobacco products is now a punishable misdemeanor under state law.

- Kim Smith