ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Corp. is smoke-free, following a School Board action Monday night.

Smoking has been curtailed on school property for years, but the new smoking ban extends to all school grounds and to school vehicles. Smoking by visitors also will be prohibited and at evening events, Superintendent Gerald Chabot said.

The new policy passed on second reading at the December board meeting.

"We feel very good to be setting an example for the community," Chabot said.

Board Vice President Nancy Gray, who was attending her last meeting before leaving the board, said it was her pleasure to "make the motion (for) a smoke-free policy."

Chabot said the board's decision would be posted this morning on all school properties and on the district's Web site.

Since the policy extends to employees as well as students and visitors, the district will make available smoking cessation programs through the Red Cross, Chabot said.