Clinton County Schools will become one of an increasing number of school districts across Kentucky and in this region to become a Tobacco Free Campus beginning July 1, 2016, following action taken Monday evening of this week, July 20, at the regular meeting of the Clinton County Board of Education.

Four of five members were present with a full agenda to be considered.

The motion to make the schools tobacco free was made by board member Kevin Marcum and passed by unanimous vote, and will take effect July 1 of 2016.

There wasn’t a lot of discussion on the issue, which will no doubt be “unliked” by many and applauded by others in the community.

Board member Junior Cecil indicated he would rather have seen the measure take affect with the start of this school year, but board chairperson Paula Key said after considering the move, which has been discussed for the past few months, it was decided to give the public more time to become aware of the new rule and get adjusted to it.

Cecil also said the board was “not bullying tobacco users,” adding the most debate he would have on the issue is with his own family members.

Superintendent Charlotte Bernard said she felt the move would be a positive model for young children, and Key said she felt it would be best for students, faculty and the public.

Marcum noted he made the motion in memory of his mother, who had passed away as a result of lung cancer.

In relation to the vote, the board also passed a second motion, made by Key, to collaborate with the Lake Cumberland District Health Department for a tobacco free campus grant.

Ashley Bridgman, with the health department, said the grant totaled $14,000 and there would be a 12-month media campaign and public awareness program put in place with the grant funds, that would include newspaper and radio advertising, billboards, posters and other ways to inform the public about the Tobacco Free Schools program.

Some area school districts already have Tobacco Free Schools in place, while more will begin the policy this year, and others, like Clinton County, have opted to begin in 2016.

The Tobacco Free campus policy will not only ban smoking on school property during in school hours or school sponsored events, (i.e. ball games) but also include the banning of any use of any type of tobacco products.

The board also dealt with a host of other topics at its meeting Monday and a separate article of the meeting can be found beginning on page 1.

Clinton campuses will be Tobacco Free Schools