School smoking ban moves ahead

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 9:31 a.m.

The Clark County School Board moved ahead Thursday with plans for a total ban of tobacco products at all campuses and facilities, as well as use by employees in district-owned vehicles.

Employees would no longer be allowed to use tobacco products, even in designated areas, and they would be prohibited from smoking at district-sponsored events such as dances or football games. Students are already prohibited from smoking at schools even if they meet the state's minimum age requirement.

The School Board unanimously approved the plan and scheduled the required second vote on the proposal to take place June 17.

"This regulation is going to mean a healthier, cleaner work environment for everyone," School Board member Denise Brodsky said. "It might even help some people decide to quit all together, which would be a fantastic side benefit."

Under the plan, the district would post notices in all buildings and throughout district property notifying the public of the prohibition.

District employees will be notified immediately of the proposed policy change and given a list of resources for smoking cessation programs and support groups, George Ann Rice, associate superintendent of human resources, said.

"We want to give them four months head start," Rice said. "We want them to know there is help available and we will begin to enforce the new regulation in August." Student members of a teen anti-smoking coalition organized by the Clark County Health District praised the regulation.

"It is unfair for me to be exposed to second-hand smoke when I choose not to smoke and be healthy," said Tiffany Tien, a senior at the Community College High School West.

Nevada has one of the highest percentages of adult smokers in the nation and also ranks high in tobacco use-related deaths and illness.

The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition, of which Brodsky is a past executive director, had urged the district for several years to enact such a ban, but a state statute prohibited local agencies from establishing tobacco policies stricter than those set by the state.

During the last legislative session lawmakers approved letting local school districts determine their own regulations regarding tobacco products. Other local agencies, including cities and health districts, are still blocked from doing so.

Employees who break the tobacco ban would face the same discipline as any other policy violation, Rice said.