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P 4870 Drug Free Workplace

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school premises or as a part of school activities is strictly prohibited.

Employees under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances while on duty are a serious risk to themselves, to students and to other employees. Employees who display physical manifestations of drug or alcohol use while on duty, may be subject to drug testing.  Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination and referral for prosecution. Employees may also be required to satisfactorily participate in rehabilitation programs.

As a condition of employment, all employees must abide by the terms of this policy. Employees who are convicted of a drug offense which occurred on school premises or while on duty must notify the Superintendent of their conviction.  Notification must be made by the employee to the Superintendent within five (5) days of the conviction. Within ten (10) days, the Superintendent will provide notice of such violation to the Impact Aid Program, United States Department of Education, or other appropriate government agency.

The District will institute a drug-free awareness program to inform employees of:

  1. The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.
  2. This policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
  3. Available counseling and rehabilitation.
  4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

On the basis of medical certification, employees with the illness of chemical dependency shall qualify for the employee benefits and group insurance coverages that are provided for under group health and medical insurance policies. The confidential nature of the medical records of employees with chemical dependency shall be preserved in the same manner as for all other medical records.

The District's responsibility for chemical dependency is limited to its effects on the employee's job performance. If the employee violates this policy, refuses to accept diagnosis and treatment, or fails to respond to treatment, and performance is adversely affected, the employee will be subject to employment action in proportion to the performance problem. Implementation of this policy will not require or result in any special regulations, privileges or exemptions from the standard administrative practice applicable to job performance requirements.

Upon the request of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 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, in the form required by such agency. The District shall conduct a biennial review of this policy to determine its effectiveness, implement necessary changes, and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee to possess, use, manufacture, distribute, or be under the influence of medical marijuana in any manner inconsistent with Missouri state law and applicable regulations.  Additionally, employees may not be under the influence of marijuana while they are (i) acting in the scope of their employment, whether on District property or off, or (ii) present at any school- or District-sponsored or sanctioned event such as athletic events or conferences. Employees may seek reasonable accommodations related to medical marijuana under the District’s policies and procedures addressing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Transportation Employees

District employees who are subject to the Transportation Employee Testing Act may not use medical marijuana on work days and may not use marijuana while on District transportation. Transportation employees who test positive for any controlled substance including marijuana are subject to dismissal. Transportation employees who cannot, for medical reasons, comply with this policy may request a transfer to a non-safety sensitive position.

The information in this policy will be distributed to all present and future employees.

Opioid Antagonists

The District will maintain NARCAN or other opioid antagonists to be admitted in emergency situations by a trained school nurse.  (See Policy 2874 - Administering Opioid Antagonists).       


Board Approved Date: January 16, 2020
Last Updated: January 2020