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Wayne schools go smoke-free next year
By Sarah A. Wise
NL Staff Writer
13 September 2007 — Every Friday night as people across the county gather to watch a game of football at their local high school, the air is filled with a variety of aromas – grass, food from the concession stands. But starting next school year, the cloud of cigarette smoke coming from neighboring fans will no longer be a part of the mix.
The Wayne County Board of Education approved a policy at their September board meeting that makes Wayne County Schools tobacco-free campuses starting in August of 2008.
The board has been discussing the possibility of tobacco-free campuses for several months. A recently passed law that makes all North Carolina schools tobacco-free starting next year encouraged the board to go ahead and approve the policy this month.
The policy mandated that anyone who is on any school campus is prohibited from using tobacco products on the campus. That means no more smoking during breaks for teachers, as well as no smoking at any athletic event held at schools. The policy also prohibits the use of tobacco products in the presence of students in off-campus settings.
Board member Rick Pridgen opened the discussion on the policy by saying he didn’t see that the board really had any choice but to adopt the policy, since state laws would soon mandate tobacco-free schools. However, he expressed a desire to set the August 1, 2008 starting date firmly in the policy.
“As a former smoker, I know it takes some time to make up your mind to quit,” he said. “If we impose it any earlier, we’re not giving people a chance to adjust. We’d probably lose some employees over it.”
The commissioners included the start date as part of their motion.
Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor added that, in addition to giving staff time to adjust, the time between now and the start date would be used to disseminate information and erect signage about the policy on all school campuses.
Assistant Superintendent Sprunt Hill added that the school system would receive a $1,500 grant to help with implementing the policy and getting the information out.
“We need to get the information not just to parents, but to the employees and staff as well,” he said.
After the policy was passed, George Moye said he wanted to make a clarification on conditions of the policy.
“Some of the things said tonight indicate that employees can’t smoke at all,” he said. “That is not true. They just cannot smoke on school grounds. This is something we have to do because of state law.”
Member John Grantham said he didn’t see the point in reiterating state law in a local policy.
“I think it’s kind of ridiculous to say that we’re going to obey state law,” he said.
Member Dave Thomas added that implementation for the policy could begin now, with announcers discussing the change at games this year to cut down on the shock of implementing the policy next year.
Back to this week's News Leader
Issue of 13 September 2007 Headlines Dean Barnes was born to teach, guide, travel Stantonsburg approves ten years of Progress WCPS delivers 'Meals on Wheels' Chief Hunt cracks down on school-zone speeders Pikeville town-hall renovation thwarted again Wayne schools go smoke-free next year Pigskin tiebreaker draw goes to Hill Football: Cougars run when Falcons falter, 59-7 JV, Freshman Football: JV Falcons take loss Tennis: Lady Falcons beat Kinston
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