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Drug-Free Workplace, Community, and School

Drug-Free Schools, Community and Workplace

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's educational program. 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 where work on a federal grant is performed.

For these purposes, the board declares that the following behaviors will not be tolerated:
A.  Reporting to work or attending any school sponsored events under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illegal chemical substances or opiates.
B.  Using, possessing, transmitting alcohol, marijuana (to include marijuana delivering devices, chemicals or devices that produce the same physical effect of marijuana substances), 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, marijuana, illegal chemical substances or opiates.
D.  Using, possessing or transmitting alcohol, marijuana, 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 five (5) days after such conviction. The district shall inform the federal government within ten (10) 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 may 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.
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PATERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Policy Series: Personnel
Policy No. 5201
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 and Nicotine
Substances on School Property
Board Policy 5203    Staff Assistance Program
Board Policy 5280    Termination of Employment
Legal References:    RCW    69.50.435    Violations committed in or on
certain public places or facilities —Additional penalty — Defenses — Construction — Definitions
41 U.S.C. § 8104    Drug Free Workplace
Requirements for Federal Grant Recipients
21 U.S.C. § 812    Controlled Substance Act
20 U.S.C §§7101-7118    Safe and Drug-Free Schools    and
Communities Act
Management Resources:
Policy News, December 2011 Changes in WSSDA's Policy
Reference Manual
Policy News, February 1999    Bus drivers still tested for
marijuana
Adoption Date: 06.12.95 Paterson School District Revised: 08.13.12; 08.2015 Essential
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