Southern Local School District
Administrative Guidelines
 

3170 - SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The District cannot overlook nor condone the use of alcohol or drugs by professional staff members during the working day. For purposes of this policy drugs will be defined as:

 A.All dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited in Ohio revised code.
 B.All chemicals which release toxic vapors as defined and prohibited in Ohio revised code.
 C.All alcoholic beverages.
 D.Tobacco and tobacco products, except as used in accordance with Board policy on smoking.
 E.Any prescription drug, except those for which a physician prescribed for the individual's current illness.

 F.Any patent drug except those for which the employee's immediate supervisor has given permission to use.

Any professional staff member whose physical characteristics, appearance, behavior, or breath odor suggest that s/he may be under the influence of alcohol shall be requested to take a breathalizer test at a local police station. The professional staff member shall be taken to the station by an administrator. Should the professional staff member refuse to take such a test or should the results of the test be positive, s/he shall be suspended three (3) days without pay (exception to suspension may be made for alcohol dependent person as determined by qualified physician) for conduct unbecoming a professional staff member by the Superintendent who shall recommend to the Board the imposition, if any, of further penalties.

Should a supervisor determine from the physical aspects, appearance, or behavior of a professional staff member that s/he might be under the influence of drugs, said professional staff member shall be taken to a local health facility for further diagnosis. Should the professional staff member refuse to report or, having reported, be found to be under the influence of drugs, s/he shall be suspended by the Superintendent for conduct unbecoming a professional staff member for three (3) days without pay (exceptions to suspension provision may be made for drug dependent person as determined by a qualified physician), and his/her case immediately referred to the Board for disposition.