Jefferson County Public Schools are going tobacco free. The policy will keep cigarettes and tobacco off school property. Designated smoking areas outside of the schools will be gone. Employees will have to go off campus to smoke.It's a 24/7 policy that covers all school property, which means games will also be smoke-free. The ban also covers field trips. The new policy starts July 1st, in time for the new school year.
Board member Linda Duncan says it's time for schools to step up and to send a clear message to kids about the dangers of smoking. She says all employees are serving as role models for students. Help will be offered to employees who want to quit smoking.