Section:4000 Personnel
Policy Name:4430 Drugs, Alcohol/Drug Free Work Place Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Policy Number:4430
Date Approved:11/13/1989
Last Revised:3/9/2009


There shall be no use, distribution, or possession of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages in the building, on the grounds, on transportation provided by the board, or at any event, trip or activity sponsored by the school or under supervision of the board, other than school sponsored functions where students are not present and alcohol is served, or when drugs are medically prescribed, and as set forth in the regulation of 5141.21, Administration of Medication.

No employee shall come to work under the influence of drugs (other than prescribed medication taken in accordance with the physician’s instructions) or alcohol (including alcohol on the breath). As a matter of public policy, the smell of alcohol on the breath, especially around school children, sets a poor example. The Plainville schools exist for the primary purpose of teaching and guiding students to live as well-adjusted and responsible citizens. Staff members are expected to serve as positive role models for students, and if employees cannot present themselves for work, free from any effects of alcohol or illicit drugs (including alcohol on the breath), they cannot expect students to do so.

Each employee who is arrested for any criminal drug statute violation must report that fact immediately to his/her supervisor or the Human Resources Department. Each employee shall also notify his or her administrator/supervisor of any conviction for any criminal drug statute violation no later than 5 days after such conviction.

An employee who violates the terms of this policy may be required to complete successfully an appropriate rehabilitation program (at their expense), or their contract may not be renewed, or his/her employment may be suspended or terminated, at the discretion of the Board.

Requests for medical leave will be reviewed in accordance with Personnel Policy #4210 Benefits Family and Medical Leave and applicable bargaining unit agreements.

Drug/Alcohol Testing

The Plainville Board of Education's policy is intended to comply with all state laws governing drug testing and is designed to safeguard employee privacy rights to the fullest extent of the law. An employee may be required to submit to a drug/alcohol test if there is a reasonable suspicion that the employee is under the influence of illegal substances, drugs or alcohol which adversely affects or could adversely affect such employee’s job performance, consistent with the law.

Before being asked to submit to a drug/alcohol test, the employee will receive written notice of the request or requirements. The employee must also sign a release of information form and testing acknowledgment form confirming that he or she is aware of the policy and employee’s rights.

Any drug/alcohol testing required or requested by the Plainville Board of Education will be conducted by a licensed laboratory. All expenses related to the test will be incurred by the Board. The employee may obtain the name and location of the laboratory that will analyze the employee's test sample by contacting the Board of Education. School bus drivers will be subject to testing in accordance with Public Act 08-150.

If the employee receives notice that the employee's test results were confirmed positive, the employee will be given the opportunity to explain the positive result. In addition, the employee may have the same sample retested at a different licensed laboratory.

If there is reason to suspect that the employee is working while under the influence of an illegal drug or alcohol, they may be placed on administrative leave and/or suspended until the results of a drug/alcohol test are made available to the Plainville Board of Education by the testing laboratory.

All testing results will remain confidential. Employees must sign a consent form prior to the release of results. Test results may be used in arbitration, administrative hearings and court cases arising as a result of the employee's drug testing. Results will be sent to federal agencies as required by federal law. If the employee is to be referred to a treatment facility for evaluation (at the employee's expense), the employee's test results will also be made available to the employee's counselor.
Tobacco

There shall be no smoking or other use of tobacco products on school property or during any school-sponsored activity involving students. There shall be no smoking on transportation provided by the Board of Education.

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1. The Plainville Board of Education will publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the work place. All employees will be given a copy of this statement and any employee who violates its provisions may be subject to disciplinary action or termination.

-All employees are required to report the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance, including alcoholic beverages, in the work place. Any employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action or termination.

2. The Plainville Board of Education will establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:

-The dangers of drug abuse in the work place;
-The Plainville Board of Education’s policy of maintaining a drug free work place;
-The availability of drug counseling and rehabilitation program and;
-The penalties that may be imposed upon the employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the work place.

3. It will be a condition of employment for all employed under a federal grant to abide by the terms of the statement referred to in paragraph 1 above to notify the Plainville Board of Education of any criminal drug statute conviction or violation occurring in the work place no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

4. The Plainville Board of Education will notify the federal granting agency within ten (10) days after receiving such notice from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of any such criminal drug statute conviction from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.

5. Within thirty (30) days of receiving notice under paragraph 3, the Plainville Board of Education will take action, either by taking disciplinary action or termination against such employee or by requiring said employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

7. It is the policy of the Plainville Board of Education to continue to maintain a drug free work place.

Legal References:

Federal Regulation 34 C.F.R. Park 85

Connecticut General Statutes

Drug Free Workplace Act. Stat. 4305-4308

54 Federal Reg. 4946 (1989)