1. To create and maintain a safe, drug-free working environment for all employees.
2. To encourage any employee with a dependence on, or addiction to, alcohol or other drugs to seek help in overcoming the problem.
3. To reduce problems of absenteeism, tardiness, carelessness and/or other unsatisfactory matters related to job performance.
4. To reduce the likelihood of incidents of accidental personal injury and/or damage to pupil transportation, students, or property.
5. To comply with Federal laws, specifically the requirements of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.
6. To reduce the likelihood that school property will be used for illicit drug activities.
7. To protect the reputation of the school system and its employees within the industry.

Substance abuse is a serious threat to the school system, its employees and children. Though the percentage of substance abusing employees may be relatively small, practical experience and research indicate that appropriate precautions are necessary. It is the belief of the Board that the benefits derived from the policy objectives outweigh the potential inconvenience to employees. The Board earnestly solicits the understanding and cooperation of all employees in implementing this policy.

The Board must insist that all employees report to work without any alcohol or illegal or mind altering substances in their systems. The Board also prohibits employees using, possessing, manufacturing, distributing or making arrangements to distribute illegal drugs while at work or on school system property.

Further, outside conduct related to substance abuse which affects an employee's work or reflects badly on the Board is prohibited. Employees must inform their supervisor when they are legitimately taking medication, which may affect their ability to work, in order to avoid creating safety problems and violating the Drug and Alcohol Policy.


ENFORCEMENT

In order to enforce this policy, the Board reserves the right to require all employees (defined as all employees subject to the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991) to submit, at any time an employee is on duty, to drug tests to determine the presence of prohibited substances. The School Board is required to develop, implement and enforce a drug and alcohol policy for their employees as a condition of compliance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

Pursuant to Board policy and regulations, employees will undergo testing at scheduled pre-employment physical examinations; where the Board has probable cause to believe an employee has violated its Alcohol and Drug Policy; and on a random basis without advance notice. Employees are also required to report all injury or damage related accidents involving school property or personnel or occurring during school-related activities and submit to screening within 32 hours of a reportable accident. Employees who return to work following rehabilitation will be required to undergo random testing in addition to the general Board testing requirements.

The Board also reserves the right to search desks, cabinets, tool boxes, vehicles, including personal vehicles brought on the school system's property, bags or any other property at the school or in vehicles when the Board has reasonable cause to believe an employee has violated its Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Violation of this policy, manifested by testing positive, may subject the employee to discipline, up to and including discharge. Refusal to cooperate with the School Board in any test investigation will result in discipline, up to and including discharge as appropriate under the applicable federal and state laws.

Any questions should be directed to the Drug Program Coordinator assigned by the Board of Education.