LEWISTON — The School Department has a new policy that bans fireworks on all its property and at school events.

The School Committee passed the policy unanimously Monday night, Chairman Jim Handy said.

“It takes effect immediately,” Handy said. “Since the new state law was passed legalizing fireworks, and Gov. LePage signed it into law, I was thinking how that law might impact cities,” Handy said.

The state law allows the sale of fireworks in Maine, beginning in January.

“I have great concern about the law itself,” Handy said. “The availability of fireworks will be significantly increased. We already have fireworks come into our state from other states where people have been seriously injured. This is an effort to protect people on school grounds, also a way to protect school property, which is valuable.”

The policy allows the school to take disciplinary action against students, including expulsion, if students have or use fireworks on school property and at school events.

Meanwhile, the City Council is looking into a new ordinance that would restrict the use of fireworks in the city. Councilors indicated they favored restrictions Tuesday night, and are expected to take action soon.

The city of Portland has taken more aggressive action, passing an ordinance that outright bans the use, possession and sale of fireworks in the city.

— Bonnie Washuk