ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. officials are hoping the district will be among the nation's campuses to become 100 percent smoke-free by banning tobacco use not only inside buildings but anywhere on the grounds of its facilities.

"It's our desire to create not only a safe and secure environment for our students and staff but also a healthy one," Superintendent Gerald Chabot told the School Board.

"Lake Central should be setting an example not only in the educational environment but for all public spaces within our school community. We need to be advocates about the harmful effects of smoking."

If approved Dec. 1, the proposed new policy would take effect Jan. 1.

The current policy prohibits use inside buildings. The new policy would extend the ban to grounds and school vehicles. Smokers will not be allowed to smoke in private vehicles on school grounds.

The district would hold a smoking cessation meeting for its employees on Dec. 10. Larry Veracco, director of personnel, said the teachers association is fully supportive.

The initiative would be publicized in school newsletters. At athletic events, the information would be included in programs and announced at the game.

Administrators would enforce the policy. Individuals will be asked to extinguish their smoking materials and, if not, they would be removed from the premises.

"This is a groundbreaking step for us to proceed towards a healthy environment," Chabot said.

"It's a shout in the right direction. Most will adhere but some will wrestle with this so we need to act appropriately. For those that test the outer bounds, we need to be polite and understanding but firm."