Student and employee safety is of paramount concern to the Board of Education. In recognition of
the threat to safety posed by employee use or possession of drugs or alcohol, the Board of Education
commits itself to a continuing good-faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace.
The Board of Education shall not tolerate the manufacture, use, possession, sale, distribution or
being under the influence of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized prescription
medications by district employees on any district property; on any district-approved vehicle used
to transport students to and from school or district activities; off district property at any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where
students are under the supervision of the school district; or during any period of time such employee
is supervising students on behalf of the school district or is otherwise engaged in school district
business.
When it is evident that an employee has consumed alcoholic beverages or controlled substances off
school property before or during a district activity, the staff member will not be allowed on school
property or to participate in the activity and will be subject to the same disciplinary measures as for
possession or consumption on district property.
The district may elect to test an employee for alcohol and controlled substances if the district has
reasonable suspicion that the employee has consumed alcohol or drugs in violation of this policy.
In addition, staff members who operate district transportation must submit to alcohol and drug
testing as otherwise required by law. All testing will be conducted in accordance with Board policy,
administrative procedures and law.
Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not
limited to, suspension, termination and/or referral for prosecution. Termination may and typically
will be imposed for a first-time offense under this policy. If an employee who violates or is
suspected of violating this policy is not terminated, the employee may be required to satisfactorily
participate in one (1) or more rehabilitation programs and to submit to substance testing, all in
accordance with terms established by the district.
Each employee of this school district is hereby notified that, as a condition of employment, the
employee must abide by the terms of this policy and notify the superintendent or designee of any
criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in or on the premises of this school district,
or while engaged in regular employment. Such notification must be made by the employee to the
superintendent or designee in writing no later than five (5) calendar days after conviction. The
superintendent or designee will provide notice in writing of such violation to the United States
Department of Education or other appropriate federal agency within ten (10) calendar days after the
superintendent or designee receives such notification if the district receives any federal grants
directly from such agency, as opposed to federal grants received through the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The district will institute a drug-free awareness program to inform employees of the dangerous and
harmful nature of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, of this policy of maintaining a drug-free
workplace, of available counseling and rehabilitation, and of the penalties that may be imposed
upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
The district recognizes drug dependency as an illness and a major health problem. The district also
recognizes drug abuse as a potential health, safety and security problem. Employees needing help
in dealing with such problems are encouraged to use their health insurance plan as appropriate.
Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize any employee's job, and will not be noted
in any personnel record.
Upon the request of DESE or an agency of the United States, the district shall certify that it has
adopted and implemented the drug prevention program described in this policy. The district shall
conduct a biennial review of this policy to determine its effectiveness, implement necessary changes
and ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
This policy shall be communicated in writing to all present and future employees. Compliance with
this policy is mandatory.
* * * * * * *
Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section
for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for
related information.
|
Adopted: 10/14/1993
Revised: 01/08/1998; 10/12/2006; 01/15/2009; 12/09/2010
Cross Refs: EBBA, Illness and Injury Response and Prevention
JFCH, Student Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Legal Refs: § 287.120, RSMo.
Controlled Substances Act, (21) U.S.C. § 812(c)
21 C.F.R. 1300.11-1308.15
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. §§ 701 - 707
St. Charles School District, St. Charles, Missouri
Top of Page
|
