No smoking/vaping on school property

When entering the Clay County Board of Education property, tobacco users will face a new policy this year.

All public education system property is now tobacco/vape-free.

Superintendent William Sexton says many districts adopted this policy several years ago.

“In the past, each district had the option to be tobacco/vape free,” he said. “The board has not adopted the policy for the last four years.”

But this year, districts did not have a choice, he said.

“The state mandated it,” Sexton said. “We have no choice but to abide by the new policy.”

This also means no tobacco breaks at sporting events.

The superintendent says he understands that tobacco users will be upset about the policy.

“We have employees that use tobacco products, and we understand this will be a big change for them,” he said. “We were one of only a handful of districts that hadn’t adopted this policy in the last few years. Now, we have no choice.”   

 According to HB 11, A tobacco-free environment means no use by anyone, including parents and community visitors to the school. Clay County athletic events will also abide by this rule. Administration/staff will announce before extracurricular events to remind visitors of the 100% Tobacco Free School (TFS policy). If someone violates the TFS policy, staff or administration will ask them to stop using tobacco. Visitors may be asked to leave the premises if they do not comply. Admin may ask law enforcement to intercede if the visitor does not go.