Policy 5201

The board has an obligation to staff, students and citizens to take reasonable steps to assure safety in the workplace and to provide safety and high quality performance for the students that the staff serves.

“Workplace” is defined to mean the site for the performance of work done in connection with the district. That includes any school building or any school premises; any school-owned vehicle or any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities; off school property during any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district.

For these purposes, the board declares that the following behaviors will not be tolerated:

A. Reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, illegal chemical substances or opiates.

B. Using, possessing, transmitting alcohol, illegal chemical substances (including anabolic steroids) or opiates in any amount or in any manner on district property at any time. Any staff member convicted of a felony attributable to the use, possession, or sale of illegal chemical substances or opiates will be subject to disciplinary action, including immediate termination.

C. Using district property or the staff member’s position within the district to make or traffic alcohol, illegal chemical substances or opiates.

D. Using, possessing or transmitting illegal chemical substances and opiates in a manner which is detrimental to the interest of the district.

Any staff member who is taking a drug or medication whether or not prescribed by the staff member’s physician, which may adversely affect that staff member’s ability to perform work in a safe or productive manner is required to report such use of medication to his or her supervisor. This includes drugs which are known or advertised as possibly affecting judgment, coordination, or any of the senses, including those which may cause drowsiness or dizziness. The supervisor in conjunction with the district office then will determine whether the staff member can remain at work and whether any work restrictions will be necessary.

As a condition of employment, each employee shall notify his or her supervisor of a conviction under any criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace as defined above. Such notification shall be provided no later than 5 days after such conviction. The district shall inform the federal government within ten days of such conviction, regardless of the source of the information.

Each employee shall be notified of the district’s policy and procedures regarding employee drug activity at work. Any staff member who violates any aspect of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include immediate discharge. As a condition of eligibility for reinstatement, an employee may be required to satisfactorily complete a drug rehabilitation or treatment program approved by the board, at the employee’s expense. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to guarantee reinstatement of any employee who violates this policy, nor does the school district incur any financial obligation for treatment or rehabilitation ordered as a condition of eligibility for reinstatement.

Other actions such as notification of law enforcement agencies may be taken in regard to a staff member violating this policy at the district’s discretion as it deems appropriate.

Cross References:
Board Policy 4215 Use of Tobacco on School Property
Board Policy 5203 Staff Assistance Program
Board Policy 5280 Termination of Employment

Legal References:
41 USC §§ 701-707 Drug Free Workplace Act of Subtitle D 1988 and as amended in 1989
20 USC §§ 7101-7118 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
21 U.S.C. 812 Controlled Substance Act
21 CFR 1300.11-1300.15
RCW 69.50.435 Violations committed on school bus or in or near school grounds or school bus route stop

Management Resources:
Policy News, February 1999 Bus drivers still tested for marijuana

 

 

La Center School District Adopted: September 25th, 2007