Policy 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. Similarly, CBD and similar products are
prohibited on school premises and at school activities. Analysis of the strength and presence of
unacceptable levels of psychotropic content are at best unreliable. Use of such products may
jeopardize the safety of staff and students who are under staff supervision.
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:
- The dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.
- This policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
- Available counseling and rehabilitation.
- 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).