Sept. 26, 2005 Outlook & Review (61k )

Districts that adopted Tobacco-Free Environment Policies qualify to receive five high-quality painted metal “Tobacco-Free Zone” signs. If your district has adopted a policy that goes beyond the state standard (OAR 581-021-0110) you may also receive an attractive vinyl banner announcing your commitment to providing a tobacco-free environment.

Districts with policies that meet or exceed the state standard should e-mail a copy of their policy to Dana Kaye, school tobacco policy coordinator for the American Lung Association of Oregon, dana@lungoregon.org,  or fax it to her at (503) 924-4120.

Those who have not yet updated their policies can download samples from OSBA’s Policy Services, Sample Policies. Version two of the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy was reviewed by the American Lung Association and the Tobacco Education division of Oregon Department of Health Services and meets the criteria for comprehensive policy for both organizations.

OAR 581-021-0110 states that no one is allowed to smoke, inhale, dip, chew or sell tobacco at any time, including non-school hours, in any building, facility or vehicle owned, leased, rented or chartered by the district, school or charter school. This includes grounds and parking lots. The OAR requires school districts in Oregon to implement policies and procedures by Jan. 1, 2006.

The signs and banners are available in English and Spanish. Banners are three-feet-by-six feet, in red and black on white.

Watch for a mailing from the American Lung Association that will bring you important information about tobacco-free school policies. You may call OSBA Policy Services with technical questions about updating your policy.