The Panther Valley School District has a stringent "no smoking" policy on school grounds.

Can this policy be applied to electronic cigarettes?The matter was discussed during a meeting of the Panther Valley School Board on Thursday. The topic came up because people were seen using electronic cigarettes during the "Meet the Panthers" program on Wednesday.As a result, the school board's policy committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the board room to make revisions that will outlaw the e-cigarettes.The Meet the Panther events introduces athletes in fall sports to the community.Board member Anthony DeMarco said people using electronic cigarettes weren't approached by security personnel because there's no smoke emitted from them and no tobacco involved.Another member, Michelle Markovich, agreed, saying, "Electronic cigarettes are not addressed in the school policy."Board President Jeff Markovich instructed the district solicitor, Attorney Robert Yurchak, to review the matter and determine how the items can be included in the no smoking rules.In personnel matters:• Ashley Stratchko was hired as a full-time elementary kindergarten and gifted teacher, at a salary of $35,385.• Candace Olson was hired as a math teacher at the high school at a salary of $35,285.• Substitutes hired were Frederick Herling, short-term health and physical education at the middle school, $135 per day; Jolynn Gazo, short-term substitute English, high school, $135 per day, and Kasey Galasso and Justine McCormick, elementary school at $90 per day.