The Mercer Area School District is taking a tough stance on teen vaping. Punishment for students caught with e-cigarettes or other vaping products on school grounds could not only be suspended but could face charges in court.
The school board this week adopted a new policy for the student handbook similar to the policy outlined for tobacco violations.
The amended handbook includes penalties for first-time offenders that would result in a three-day, out of school suspension for students found with e-cigs, vape pens, JUULs, ENDS units, and other vape products.
The student can avoid having charges filed with the district magistrate if he or she completes a tobacco intervention program that would be paid for by the student's parents.
The penalty for a second offense is more stringent, including a five-day out of school suspension and possible charges filed with the district magistrate at the school's discretion. Students would be required to complete a smoking cessation program.
A third offense will not only include a five-day suspension, but charges would definitely be filed in court. The student would be required to appear for a formal hearing with the school board's disciplinary committee.
The district is also launching a vaping prevention curriculum for grades, k-6, 7, 9, and 11. The lessons will be based in part on information from the Centers for disease control and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Also, a Tobacco Resistance Unit involving youth role models will be rolled out this coming spring at the middle and high schools. The aim of the program is to use positive peer interactions to discourage experimenting with vaping.