Lincoln County Schools Become Tobacco Free
Beginning July 1, 2008

June 29, 2008

During the summer of 2007, the NC Department of Public Instruction passed a policy mandating all Local Education Agencies (LEA’s) to become 100% tobacco free by July 1, 2008. To comply with this mandate, the Lincoln County Board of Education adopted a policy that prohibits the use of tobacco products by staff members or visitors on school property at any time, including non-school hours. The use of tobacco products on school grounds is prohibited:

• in any building, facility, or vehicle owned, leased, rented or chartered by the Lincoln County Schools;
• on any school grounds and property – including athletic fields and parking lots, owned, leased, rented, or chartered by Lincoln County Schools; and
• at any school-sponsored or school-related event on-campus or off-campus.

School employees, school volunteers, contractors or other persons performing services on behalf of the school district are also prohibited from using tobacco products at any time while on duty and in the presence of students, either on or off school grounds. No student is permitted to possess a tobacco product while in any school building, while on school grounds, or property, or at any school-sponsored or school-related event, or at any other time that students are under the authority of school personnel.

Any person who violates this policy will be asked to leave the school property immediately. Lincoln County Schools Administration appreciates your understanding and cooperation as we enforce this new policy.

The policy will become effective beginning July 1, 2008.