• MOUNTAIN BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

    G-31

     

    It is the mission of the Mountain Brook Board of Education to provide an educational environment which enables each individual to reach his or her fullest potential.  Consistent with that mission lies an important system goal:  to promote a drug-free environment.

    It is the policy of the Mountain Brook Board of Education that the use of alcohol and other drugs (as outlined under the Standards of Conduct) and the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illicit drugs is prohibited.  Any employee violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment and referral to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.  This policy has been adopted in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.  Nothing in this policy should be construed as precluding the Board from adopting additional or alternative programs, procedures, and penalties in order to achieve the goal of a drug- and alcohol-free public school system. 

    I. Standards of Conduct

    A.  The possession, use, transfer, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by any employee while on the job or on school premises or off campus in connection with or affecting any school related activity is strictly prohibited.  Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment and referral to the appropriate civil authorities for prosecution.

    B.  The Mountain Brook Board of Education does not differentiate  between drug users or sellers.  The unauthorized manufacture, possession, use, transfer, sale, or distribution of controlled substances is strictly prohibited.  Any employee who violates this prohibition while on the job or off will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and referral  to the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.

    C.  The term “controlled substance” means any drug listed in 21 U.S.C. Section 812 and other federal regulations.  Generally, these are drugs which have a potential for abuse.  Such drugs include, but are not limited to, heroin, marijuana, cocaine (including “crack”), methamphetamine (‘ice”), LSD, and PCP.  They also include drugs which are not prescribed by a licensed physician.

    D.   Each employee is required to inform the Superintendent or his  designee within five (5) days after he or she is convicted of a violation of any federal or state criminal drug statute (including but  not limited to DUI), where such violation occurred either on or off the premises of the Mountain Brook School System.  A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or the imposition of a sentence by a judge or jury in any federal or state court.

    E. The Superintendent of the Mountain Brook School System must notify the State Department of Education within ten (10) days after  receiving notice from the employee or otherwise receiving actual  notice of a conviction of a violation of any federal or state criminal  drug statute.

    F. In cases where employees seek help regarding alcohol and other  drug-(AOD) related problems, they will be referred to the Employee           Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator.  This referral should not be construed as an avenue for avoiding the disciplinary sanctions  described nor for avoiding compliance with job performance standards.  The EAP services are designed to help employees receive therapeutic support during a time of personal crisis or  troubles.

       Employees may also choose to solicit support from any of the  numerous community resources available (i.e., Aletheia House, UAB Substance Abuse Programs, Mental Health Association, etc.) to assist them with AOD-related problems.  The costs for these services are the responsibility of the employee whereas EAP  services are a fringe benefit offered at a reduced cost through the Mountain Brook Board of Education.

     

    G. As a condition of further employment, the Mountain Brook Board of Education requires all employees to abide by this policy.

     

     

     


     

    Adopted:  December 12, 1994