GAMD, Drug-Free Workplace

FILE: GAMD

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

To be in full compliance with The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, the Catahoula Parish School Board adopts and implements a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on school premises or as a part of any school activity. This program conveys to students and employees the message that the possession and use of illicit drugs and the possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful.

The guidelines and procedures outlined in this Drug-Free Workplace policy apply to all students and all employees of the Catahoula Parish School System and will remain in effect until such time as it is necessary for the Catahoula Parish School Board to amend the policy to reflect new mandates as set forth by state or federal law.

Harmful involvement with mind-altering chemicals/alcohol is an illness. Use and abuse by students and/or employees affects the quality of the system's education. The Catahoula Parish School System is responsible for providing a drug/alcohol free environment for students and a drug-free workplace for employees. However, because the use and abuse of alcohol/drugs by students and employees may exist, the Board accepts the responsibility to work to identify those in need of help and to provide guidelines for obtaining that help.

The Catahoula Parish School System is committed to educating students and employees about the harmful effects of alcohol/drugs. It is also committed to setting standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school premises or as a part of any of its activities. These standards are applicable to all students and all employees in all schools and will be enforced. A clear statement of standards and sanctions imposed on students and employees who violate the standards of conduct will be given students, parents, and employees, notifying them that their compliance is mandatory.

The Catahoula Parish School Board will conduct a biennial review of programs to determine their effectiveness and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. Any needed changes shall be implemented.

The Catahoula Parish School Board recognizes its obligation in providing its students with a competent well-trained instructional staff. It further believes that all school personnel should serve as role models for students by setting examples of living drug/alcohol free lives. For continued employment in the Catahoula School System, all employees must adhere to the following:

Confirmed or substantial evidence that an employee possesses, uses, or is under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance or alcohol in the workplace, will result in any or all of the following:

1.	Suspension with/without pay for failure to abide by established policy.
2.	Counseling.
3.	Assessment by substance abuse clinic or treatment clinic and follow-up.
4.	Drug/alcohol testing by hospital, recognized laboratory, treatment center at the expense of the employee.
5.	Satisfactory participation in a chemical dependency treatment/rehabilitation program. Failure to participate in the recommended program will result in a due process hearing and possible termination.

Confirmed or substantial evidence that an employee is involved in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession with intent to sell a controlled substance and/or alcohol will result in appropriate law enforcement authorities being notified and evidence turned over to them. For these Catahoula Parish School Board employees, any or all of the following action may be taken as follows:

Suspension - with/without pay pending legal action

Termination upon conviction of violation

The Catahoula Parish School Board will provide a copy of this policy to all employees and require that:

All employees abide by statements in Section A and B.

All employees having reasonable cause to believe that a student possesses a controlled dangerous substance or an alcoholic beverage on a school campus shall report such fact to the principal or to the Chairperson of the Substance Abuse Prevention Team.

All employees must notify the Superintendent of any criminal drug/alcohol statute conviction or violation no later than five (5) days after the conviction. The Catahoula Parish School Board within thirty (30) days of receiving notice that an employee has been convicted of a drug/alcohol violation may take any or all of the following action:

Those actions listed under section A for use convictions.

Those actions listed under Section B for manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession with intent to sell convictions.

Due Process

1.	Each employee will receive oral or written notice of charges against him/her.
2.	Each employee will have the opportunity to hear and examine what authorities have against him/her.
3.	Each employee will have the opportunity to respond if he/she denies charges.
4.	Hearings shall be conducted as provided by law.

The Catahoula Parish School Board will establish a drug/alcohol awareness Program to inform employees as follows:

1.	The harmful effects of drug/alcohol use.
2.	The dangers of use in the workplace.
3.	The signs and symptoms of drug use.
4.	The illness of chemical dependency.
5.	Treatment centers and assistance programs that are available in the area.
6.	The Board's policy for maintaining a drug/alcohol free workplace.

Ref: 20 USC 7101 (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act)

21 USC 812 (Schedules of controlled substances)

41 USC 8101 et seq. (Drug-Free Workplace)

21 CFR 1308.11 et seq. (Schedules of Controlled Substances)

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:240, 17:405, 40:961, 40:962, 40:963, 40:964, 40:967, 40:968, 40:969, 40:970, 40:971, 40:971.1

Catahoula Parish School Board