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GBEC Drug-Free Workplace

The RSU 1 Board of Directors recognizes that alcoholism and drug dependency are treatable diseases. Left untreated, they may result in serious personal and family problems. At the same time, the Board is seriously concerned about the effects of alcohol and drug dependency upon an employee's job performance and ability to serve as a role model for our students.

The Board believes strongly that all employees and students should be able to work and learn in an environment free from alcohol and drug abuse. Accordingly, the Board expects all employees to report for work and to perform their duties in a manner that does not jeopardize the health, safety and well-being of co-workers and students.

No employee shall distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall an employee unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid or any other controlled substance (as defined in scheduled I through V of section 202 of the federal Controlled Substance Act [21 U.S.C., sec. 812]; by regulation at 21 C.F.R., 1300.11 through 1300.15; and in Title 17-A MRSA, section 1101). This applies during school/work hours, at school, or in any other school system location, defined as follows:

"School system location" means in any school building or on any school premises; in any

school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport

students to and from school or school activities; off school property at any school-sponsored

or school-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where

students are under the jurisdiction of the school unit; or during any period of time such

employee is supervising students on behalf of the school system or otherwise engaged

in school unit business."

Any employee who suspects that he or she may have an alcohol or drug dependency problem is strongly encouraged to contact his/her supervisor to seek voluntary diagnosis and treatment. The employee will be provided confidential referral services to an outside agency upon request.

All illegal use, possession, furnishing, selling or provision of assistance in obtaining alcoholic beverages or scheduled drugs not covered by the preceding paragraph may, depending upon the circumstances, constitute sufficient grounds for discipline, up to and including dismissal. Referrals under foregoing paragraphs of this policy will not preclude disciplinary action under this paragraph, depending on the circumstances.

As provided in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, any employee is required to notify the school system of a criminal or civil conviction for a drug violation occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. In turn, the Superintendent, within 10 calendar days of learning of such a conviction, is to give written notification to the U.S. Department of Education and to any other federal agency from which the unit receives grant funds.

Appropriate disciplinary sanctions shall be taken against any employee who violates the terms of this school system's drug and alcohol policy, up to and including dismissal.

[Implementation]

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the development and administration of appropriate procedures to implement this policy.

Communication

A copy of this policy will be emailed to all current employees and to new employees at the time of their employment, and is to be posted in appropriate locations throughout the school system.

Sched. I-V, Section 202

21 C.F.R. 1300.11 -- 1300.15

Fed. P.L. 101-226

Title 17-A, MRSA, Section 1101

Cross Reference: JICH -- Drug and Alcohol Use by Students

Adopted: May 11, 1992

Reviewed: February 12, 2007

Revised: August 25, 2014

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