School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Regulation 4-27.1

PERSONNEL

Use of Alcohol and Drugs/Tobacco Products

A.  Drug Use by Employees

Employees will not possess, use, be under the influence of, manufacture, sell, distribute or give controlled substances and anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, or imitation controlled substances. Violation of this regulation will b e cause for immediate dismissal.

B.  Use of Alcohol

Employees will not possess, use or be under the influence of alcohol while in or upon the school property, during school hours or during school or student activities. Violation of this regulation may result in dismissal.

C.  Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products

1. Policy Statement

Smoking and the use of tobacco products represents a serious health and safety problem for users and non-users. In an effort to establish a "smoke-free and smokeless tobacco-free" environment on school property at all times, smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited in all school buildings and facilities, including the property on which those buildings and facilities are located.

Visitors and non-school personnel will be expected to adhere to these regulations.

Smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited in school board owned vehicles.

2.  Enforcement

a.  A community-wide educational campaign is to be developed that will promote and advertise a "smoke-free and smokeless tobacco-free school" environment.

b.  Public address announcements are to be made at extra-curricular events on school property noting the "smoke-free and smokeless tobacco-free" environment on school property.

c.  A "smoke-free and smokeless tobacco-free" clause is to be included in all contracts for use of school property, including recreational and after- school hours activities.

d.  Complaints from patrons, employees, or students are to be directed to the principal or department director for handling and corrective action. If a complaint involves a principal or department director, such complaint is to be directed to the next level supervisor.

e.  Employees who smoke or use tobacco products in or about school buildings, on school property or in school board owned vehicles are in violation of this regulation and will be subject to disciplinary action as follows:

First Offense: Letter of warning from the principal or administrator to be placed in the employee's personnel file but to be removed in one year if no further violations occur.

Second Offense Within a Year of First Offense: Letter of reprimand from the principal to be placed in the employee's personnel file but to be removed after one year from the date of the second offense if no further violations occur.

Third Offense: Suspension for three days. Such suspension may be without pay following a hearing before the Board in which such determination is made.

Fourth Offense: Dismissal in accordance with Va. Code § 22.1-307 for noncompliance with school laws and regulations and other good and just cause evidenced by continued failure to follow School Board policy and insubordination.

3.  Employee Assistance

The Employee Assistance Program will provide cessation and related support programs for employees who smoke or use tobacco products. The school division will reimburse employees up to $100 for treatment with the nicotine transdermal system (patch).

Candidates for employment will be made aware of this regulation as a term of employment before contracts are offered.

Regulatory Authority:

Code of Va., § 4.1-309. Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages in or on public school grounds; penalty.

Code of Va., § 18.2-255.2. Prohibiting the sale of drugs on or near certain properties.

Code of Va., § 15.1-291.1. Definitions.

Code of Va., § 15.1-291.2. Statewide regulation of smoking.

Editor's Note
See also Virginia Beach City Code at Chapter 28.5.

 

Approved by Superintendent:  July 16, 1991
Revised by Superintendent:  January 19, 1993
Revised by Superintendent:  January 18, 1994
Revised by Superintendent:  February 4, 1998