KELLY SCHOOL BOARD EXTENDS NO-SMOKING POLICY

BENTON -- A no-tobacco use policy at Thomas W. Kelly schools has been extended to include staff and guests as well as students for the upcoming school year.

The Board of Education approved the change at its May 11 meeting.

The policy prohibits use of tobacco products on school property during the day. Designated areas will be established outside for smokers attending night events like ball games.

The new rules go into effect at the start of the 1993-94 school year.

Superintendent Michael Johnson said, "We currently have a no-tobacco policy for students. Staff have designated areas in the building (for tobacco use).

Johnson said expansion of the policy came at the request of staff.

"We have about 80 employees and about a dozen who use tobacco products," he said.

"We are implementing the change at the beginning of the next school year. That gives the staff a chance this summer to work on giving it up or working to control it," he said.