ABC Schools : Smoking Could Be Banned Entirely in School Buildings

ABC Unified school officials may change district policy to ban smoking in any part of a school building, including faculty lounges.

The policy, which now allows staff members to smoke in specially designated areas, needs to be changed by 1996 or the district could lose $90,000 it receives annually in state tobacco-education funds, said Linda Caillet, district director of educational services. The money pays for nursing programs and health curriculum materials.

The teachers union has not opposed the change but has asked the board to address how faculty members will be disciplined if they violate the ban, said union President Joan Elliot. Board members expect to review the policy in April.

District officials also have not decided whether the ban should be extended to after-school events because it might infringe on money made at functions such as bingo games.