Avery County Schools Policy Policy Code: 7240
ALCOHOL-FREE AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
The Avery County Board of Education recognizes that reducing drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace improves the safety, health, and productivity of employees. It is the policy of the board that a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace must be maintained.
A. Prohibited Activities
The board prohibits employees from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale,
distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic
drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, alcohol, stimulants,
synthetic cannabinoids, counterfeit substance, or any other controlled substance as
defined in (1) Schedules I through VI of the North Carolina Controlled
Substances Act or in (2) Schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and further defined by regulation at 21 C.F.R.
1300.01 through 1300.04 and 21 C.F.R. 1308.11 through 1308.15. Employees
must not be under the influence of alcohol or be impaired by the excessive use of
prescription or nonprescription drugs at any time this policy is applicable. This
policy is not violated by an individual’s proper use of a drug lawfully prescribed
for that individual by a licensed health-care provider.
B. Applicability
This policy governs each employee before, during and after school hours while
the employee is on any property owned or leased by the board: at any time during
which the employee is acting in the course and scope of his or her employment
with the board; and at any time that the employee’s violation of this policy has a
direct and adverse effect upon his or her job performance. This policy does not
apply to an employee’s consumption of alcoholic beverages that are served at a
reception or other similar function that occurs outside the regular workday and
that the employee is authorized or required to attend as a part of his or her
employment duties.
Independent contractors, volunteers, and visitors are subject to all requirements of
this policy while on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
C. Reasonable Suspicion to Search
An employee may be subjected to a search of his or her person or belongings or of
property under the employee’s control if there is reasonable suspicion that the
employee has violated this policy. An employee also ay be required to submit to a
drug or alcohol test when there is reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use by
the employee in violation of this policy. Reasonable suspicion shall be based on
specific, contemporaneous observations concerning the physical, behavioral,
Avery County Schools Policy Code: 7240 Page 1 of 3 speech, and/or performance indicators of drug or alcohol use. The observations must be made by a supervisor or other school system official with training or experience in such indicators.
All drug and alcohol testing will be done with procedures that ensure the
confidentiality and privacy interests of the employee and in accordance with law.
Employees who refuse to submit to a search or a test to detect alcohol or drug use
after reasonable suspicion is established may be suspended immediately pending
consideration of a decision to terminate employment.
In addition, any employee, volunteer, or independent contractor who operate a
commercial motor vehicle or performs other safety-sensitive functions in the
course of duties for the board may be subject to drug and alcohol testing in
accordance with policy 7241, Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor
Vehicle Operators.
The board will cover the cost of any required employee testing.
D. Duty to Report
An employee must notify his or her supervisor and the director of human
resources in writing of any conviction under any criminal drug statute for a
violation occurring within the scope of Section B of this policy. Notification must
be given no later than the next scheduled business day after such conviction and
before reporting to work, in accordance with policy 7300, Staff Responsibilities.
Within 10 days of receiving a notice of conviction by an employee whose position
is funded in an part by a federal grant, the director of human resources of designee
shall notify the funding agency of the conviction. “Conviction” as used in this
policy includes the entry in a court of law or military tribunal of: (1) a plea of
guilty, nolo contendere, no contest, or the equivalent; (2) a verdict or finding of
guilty; or (3) a prayer for judgment continued (“PJC”) or a deferred prosecution.
Consequences
Violation of this policy will subject an individual to disciplinary action by the
board that could result in non-renewal or termination of employment with the
school system or the requirement that the employee participate satisfactorily in a
drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the board
or federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
Information concerning available counseling, rehabilitation, and re-entry
programs will be provided to employees. Any illegal drug activity will be
reported to law enforcement authorities.
All employees shall receive a copy of this policy.
Avery County Schools Policy Code: 7240 Page 2 of 3 Legal References: 21 U.S.C. § 812; 41 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.; 21 C.F.R. § 1300.01-.04 and 1308.11-1308.15; G.S. 20-138.2B; 90-89 to-94; 115C-36 O’Connor v. Ortega; 480 U.S. 709 (1987)
Cross References: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators (policy 7241), Staff Responsibilities (policy 7300)
ADOPTED: 10-1-90 REVISED: 9-7-93; 8/4/08; 3/13/18
Avery County Schools Policy Code: 7240 Page 3 of 3