THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 28, 1995 TAG: 9508280026
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALETA PAYNE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
A policy being considered by the school board could be a sign of the times - one that reads: ``No Smoking.''
Board member Thomas Bray has suggested severely limiting smoking at outdoor events on school property and has said he favors an outright ban. At the very least, he wants smoking eliminated in the stands.
The rule would apply not just to school events, but to any use of the stadiums. If the board votes to eliminate smoking altogether, Chesapeake would be the first school district in South Hampton Roads to do so, according to deputy superintendent William Russell, who surveyed other districts.
``We'd be setting a good example for our young people,'' Bray said. ``. .
Bray's proposal preceded President Clinton's announcement of plans to combat smoking among teenagers and is in line with increasing efforts to limit public areas where smoking is permitted.
It is unclear when the school board will further discuss or vote on the proposal.
Russell found that of six Hampton Roads school districts surveyed, only Newport News prohibits smoking at outdoor events. Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach cited several reasons for not considering such a ban, including concerns about enforceability and public relations problems.
Other Chesapeake board members contacted were cautious about the policy, even if they support it in principle.
``It sounds good, but how would you enforce it in the stands?'' asked board member Larry Brayboy.
``We don't mind being the first on the block, but we want to be careful,'' board vice chairwoman Barbara Head said. ``We don't want to make a rule we cannot uphold.''
Board member James Wheaton said he would support an outright ban.
``The fact that you're outside doesn't matter if there's someone sitting in front of you puffing away,'' Wheaton said.
The Chesapeake division's outdoor sports facilities are widely used by community groups. Bray, who has been active as a Little League coach and former chairman of the Department of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, doesn't think that a ban or limits on smoking would drive many people away.
``I think people would support our children wherever the event,'' he said.
Bray believes citizens would be the main enforcers of the policy, whatever it is. And he believes board support of the policy could set the tone for other local school divisions.
``I think nobody can fault you for providing a safer environment for not just our young people, but for everyone,'' Bray said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Thomas Bray
Chesapeake Board Member
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE SCHOOLS SMOKING by CNB