South Callaway schools to toughen tobacco use rules

Admin. to review drop in avg. ACT scores

The South Callaway Board of Education agreed Wednesday night to toughen smoking regulations next year on school property.

Lindsey Even, a South Callaway High School guidance counselor representing the Smokebusters organization, presented a proposed policy change that would "prohibit all employees, students and patrons from smoking or using tobacco products in all district facilities, on district transportation and on all district grounds at all times."

Board member Brent Woods said he had a problem voting for tougher regulations when current anti-smoking policies are not enforced.

The school has penalties against students violating the tobacco-free policy but no penalties against staff or visitors at the school.

As a compromise proposal, board member Greg Kimminau proposed and the board approved a measure that directs school administrators to increase awareness of the school's tobacco-free buildings by erecting more signs.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.