CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — Cullman County Schools unveiled a strict anti-vaping policy for the 2021-2022 school year Monday. Penalties for students found vaping in Cullman County Schools include community service, alternative school and even expulsion.
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The new policy comes after the school system reported an increase in vaping offenses across the district.
Penalties for an initial violation of the policy would result in 16 hours of community service and temporary placement in alternative school. Further violations of the policy would result in fines, court costs and expulsion on the fourth offense.
Cullman County Schools also announced they are working with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and District Court Judge Rusty Turner to enforce the new policy.
“We believe this new policy will make a difference,” said Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman County
School Superintendent. “Vaping is unhealthy, dangerous, and it has really become a big
distraction in schools across our district,” said Barnette.
Below is a full list of penalties for each violation of the policy:
1st Offense
CCBOE:
- Possession – 3 days short-term alternative school
- Distribution – minimum 4 weeks long-term alternative school
COURT SYSTEM:
- 16 hours of community service at a non-profit organization, to be determined by the courts
- Student Juuling Awareness Online Course (6 hours) plus cost of course which is approximately
$37.95 - If the above is completed, the case is dismissed without court costs and the defendant is
granted youthful offender status. - If the above is not completed, the defendant is given a $50.00 fine, plus court costs of
approximately $350.00 up to $500.00.
2nd Offense
CCBOE:
- Possession – 5 days short-term alternative school
- Distribution – 9 weeks long-term alternative school
COURT SYSTEM:
- 24 hours of community service at a non-profit organization, to be determined by the courts
- Student Juuling Awareness Online Course (6 hours) plus cost of course which is approximately
$37.95 - Parent(s)/guardian(s) Parenting Skills Class (8 hours) plus cost of course which is
approximately $49.95 - If the above is completed, the case is dismissed with court costs.
- If the above is not completed, the defendant is given a $100.00 fine, plus court costs of
approximately $350.00 up to $500.00.
3rd Offense
CCBOE:
- Possession – 20 days long-term alternative school
- Distribution – minimum 1 semester long-term alternative school
COURT SYSTEM:
- The courts will determine all sentencing, fines, and court costs.
4th Offense
CCBOE:
- Possession – minimum of 9 weeks long-term alternative school
- Distribution – student will withdraw and enroll in homeschool.
COURT SYSTEM:
- The courts will determine all sentencing, fines, and court costs.
