Acting on a recommendation from School District Safety Officer David Kincaid, the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education proposed a new policy on the exclusion of petrochemical-based products from school buildings.

The policy states that the school district will ''exclude, wherever possible, the use of any petrochemical-based product in any school facility. A petrochemical is defined as any product being manufactured and derived from crude oil.''

The policy goes on to state that it applies to art supplies, cleaning supplies, biology and chemical laboratory products, paints, and such. Whenever possible, the district will purchase bio-based alternatives and products containing minimal volatile organic compounds.

Also, whenever possible, any product purchased and used in the district ''must be third party documented and certified for its environmental efficacy and its impact on indoor air quality and overall indoor environment, especially as it may affect children.'' If no such documentation or certification exists for classification of a product, the district safety officer is to give approval, in writing.

This policy was submitted for a first reading and, as per board policy, will come back for at least two more readings prior to adoption. A second reading is anticipated for the board of education's Jan. 12 meeting.