FISD’s school board unanimously approved updating its student code of conduct for the 2023-24 school year to include the new rules Aug. 14. This updated policy has the district in compliance with new state laws regarding e-cigarette use, also known as vaping, by students.
“We are sure that this is going to be a significant change for our families and our students,” said Paige Hoes, FISD’S managing director of secondary student services. “Unfortunately, students do sometimes bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices to school.”
How we got here
House Bill 114, which goes into effect Sept. 1, requires students be placed in a district's Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, or DAEP, if a student possesses, sells, gives, delivers or uses an e-cigarette at or within 300 feet of school property.
What parents should know
If a student is caught with a device, they are subject to a mandatory 10-day placement in the DAEP.
FISD’s DAEP is located at the Student Opportunity Center. Students attending the program are prohibited from:
- Attending school-sponsored events
- Participating in athletics or other extracurricular activities
- Entering district property other than the center
Also of note
In the 2023-24 student code of conduct, Hoes said the district added a line to capture marijuana products.
Unless the product is legally prescribed by a licensed medical professional, she said students will be placed in the DAEP if found possessing, using, giving, selling or being under the influence of any product containing:
- Hemp
- CBD
- THC
What else?
FISD updated its student code of conduct rule for fighting. Students will be placed in the DAEP on a second offense of fighting and any further fighting offense. As for assault, Hoes said this is a more serious offense that results in mandatory placement on the first offense.
