BOE to Discuss Smoking Policy, Possible Referendum

With the new school year , Brick's Board of Education will consider a number of items at a pre-agenda session scheduled for Wednesday night.

On the agenda is a school district tobacco policy that formally prohibits the use of all types of tobacco products on school grounds and sets a number of enforcement measures, including a referral to the district student assistance counselor, guidance counselor, school nurse or other counseling service. The proposed policy also instructs the district's administration to "ensure that the health curriculum includes instruction in the health hazards of tobacco use."

Additionally, an agenda item calls for a potential vote on a referendum to be held later this year.

A of the favored by a citizens' committee may be up for a vote at the board's regular meeting next week. It will likely be discussed at the pre-agenda meeting.

If board members vote next Thursday to authorize a referendum, a ballot measure will be placed in front of voters Dec. 13. It was previously thought that in order to hold a referendum vote in December, the board would have had to authorize it in August. But a check with the district's bond counsel proved otherwise.

Last month, board members said that they scaled down the potential facilities improvement referendum to include a total of $19.6 million worth of work. Of that amount, taxpayers will fund $11.8 million, with the state picking up $7.9 million through grants.

It is unlikely that the board will take formal action on either item at the pre-agenda meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. at . Generally, the board holds off on such votes until the regular meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15, also at 7 p.m. at the high school. There will be a public comment period at both meetings.