DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

The St. Tammany Parish School System is committed to provide a drug-free workplace for its employees and the students in their charge. Toward that end, the following Policy statement is made and will govern all workplaces operated by the system. The unlawful manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in any workplace operated by this system. Violation of such prohibition in the workplace will result in disciplinary action as specified hereafter.

Upon official charge of a violation by an employee with regard to manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance in the workplace, the Superintendent shall immediately conduct a complete investigation into the matter. During this investigation, the employee shall be suspended with pay. If, from the investigation, it is determined that the employee is guilty of the charge, the Superintendent shall recommend termination or other appropriate disciplinary action against the employee and shall suspend him/her without pay pending School Board action on such recommendation. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to deny any employee of the right to due process under the law.

     The St. Tammany Parish School System further commits itself to the establishment of a drug-free awareness program toward the end that employees will be informed about:

  1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace,
  2. The St. Tammany Parish School Board Policy regarding maintaining a drug-free workplace,
  3. Drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance program, which are available to employees, and
  4. The penalties, which are provided under this Policy and under the provisions of the Louisiana Child Protection Act.

All employees shall be given a copy of this Policy and shall be, thereby, notified that any employee who is engaged in the performance of his/her duties under a federal grant shall, as a condition of employment, agree to abide by the terms of this Policy, and shall further agree to notify, the Personnel Office of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

The Personnel Director shall notify the granting agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice from an employee of such conviction and shall implement the terms of this Policy within thirty (30) days of the conviction.

The St. Tammany Parish School System shall in good faith make every effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace though the implementation of this policy.

Ref: Board Minutes June 8, 1989; Drug Free Workplace 41 USC 701 et seq.49 USC 101 et seq and 49 CFR 40.1 et seq