Medical Lake school board approves updated tobacco policy

The Medical Lake school board went through several items at its Oct. 25 meeting.

The board held the first and second readings of the updated “Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products and Delivery Devices” policy.

Superintendent Tim Ames said the policy now includes vapor products in the list of tobacco items and devices that are prohibited on school grounds. The policy states that using tobacco products is prohibited within 500 feet of school district property, grounds and district-owned vehicles.

Kim Headrick, director of teaching and learning, said the policy follows with what the district is doing in terms of the career and college readiness graduation requirements. It focuses on allowing students more access to college prep and rigorous courses.

Students who meet the state standard on high school statewide student assessment will be enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced courses.

Those who successfully complete the advanced courses will be enrolled in the next most rigorous level of advanced courses.

“The focus is to give kids opportunities to earn credits that are aligned with community college credits,” Headrick said.

The board also held the first reading of a policy relating to the regulation of dangerous weapons on school premises.

The policy explains that carrying a weapon on premises, school-provided transportation or areas and facilities being used for school activities is considered a criminal offense.

“A parent (carrying a weapon) can pick up their child or drop them off at school as they are still in their car, but they can’t bring the weapon on the premises,” Ames said.

When the board asked about how the policy applies to someone with a concealed weapon, Ames said he spoke with school resource officer, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Pendell, who informed him the policy also applies to concealed weapons.

Ames added that if a teacher hears about a student bringing a weapon on school grounds, they need to report it immediately.

Students who are caught bringing a weapon to school may be suspended or expelled for up to a one year.

“We still have the responsibility to educate that student at an alternate setting,” Ames added. Examples of alternative settings include one-on-one tutoring and online learning.

In other business:

• The board approved the surplus of old books from the middle school and high school libraries.

• They also approved the surplus of home economics supplies from the middle school.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.