Board approves new vaping and paraphernalia policy

At their March 23, 2023 meeting, the Knox County Board of Education approved a new policy for vapes and/or paraphernalia that will go into effect on April 10, 2023.  The attached letter and amendment added to the student handbook were sent home to families the week of March 27, 2023.

Download the PDF file .

Download the PDF file .

Full text of letter:

March 27, 2023

Dear Families and Community Members,

We are writing to address a growing concern that has been affecting schools throughout the state and nation: the use of vaping among students. We are deeply troubled by the increasing number of students who are using vapes, and we are taking action to prevent this dangerous behavior from becoming more widespread.

Vaping is not only illegal for minors, but it is also a serious health risk. Many vapes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can cause long-term damage to the lungs and other organs. Additionally, we have seen a rise in the number of students who are vaping THC, which is illegal and can cause even more serious health problems. Vapes can contain a wide variety of chemicals without students knowing what they are inhaling, both first hand and second hand.

As a school district, we take the health and safety of our students very seriously, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent vaping among our students. We have already trained our school leaders and resource officers to recognize the signs of vaping and how to intervene when necessary. We have also changed our disciplinary actions for students caught using vapes on school property.

Starting on April 10th, Knox County Public Schools will be implementing a new policy that will increase the consequences for students who are caught using vapes on school property. This policy is designed to send a clear message that vaping is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools. You will find a copy of the policy attached to this letter and on our website.

We cannot do this alone. We need the support of the entire community to prevent vaping among our students. We ask that you talk to your children about the dangers of vaping and discourage them from using vapes or any other nicotine or THC products. We also encourage you to report any information you may have about vaping products being sold to minors. Our schools and law enforcement pledge to work together, with your help, to end the possession and distribution of vapes and related paraphernalia to students.

We ask for the help of our business community to move all vaping products behind their counters and out of sight.  We also request that your employees be trained and instructed to refrain from selling these products to minors.

We all can make a difference in the lives of our students and ensure that they have a healthy and successful future. Thank you for your support in this important effort.


Students, families, and school staff are asked to contact their principal with questions. District-level questions may be addressed via email to governance@knox.kyschools.us.