In recent days, WGNS has been bombarded with the question, "Are teachers and administrators at schools in Rutherford County required to submit to randomized drug testing?" Rutherford County Schools Public Information Officer James Evans stated, "Bus drivers/contractors are drug tested randomly. RCS employees are not drug tested. We complete background checks on all new employees when they are hired."
The Rutherford County School system is however a "Drug-Free Workplace," according to their Certified Employee Handbook. The policy allows for testing if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use while in the workplace or while on workplace related business.
That should clear the air in regards to that question.
Source:
Public Information Officer James Evans
Drug Policy for Rutherford County Schools:
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (Policy 1.804)
Rutherford County Policy 1.804 states that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance in the Board of Education's workplace or away from workplace while on the Board's business is prohibited. Any employee violating this policy will be subjected to discipline up to and including termination.
Policy 5.403 allows for Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing if the following conditions exist:
- Observed use, possession or sale of illegal drugs and/or use, possession, sale, or abuse of alcohol and/or prescription drugs.
- Apparent physical state of impairment of motor functions.
- Marked changes in personal behavior not attributed to other factors.
- Employee involvement in or contribution to an accident where the use of alcohol or drugs is reasonably suspected or employee involvement in a pattern of repetitive accidents whether or not they involve actual or potential injury.
- Violation of criminal statutes involving the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs and/or violations of drug statutes
