Southern Local School District
Administrative Guidelines
 

4170 - SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The District cannot overlook nor condone the use of alcohol or drugs by employees 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, except those for which a physician has 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 employee 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 employee shall be taken to the station by an administrator. Should the employee 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 for conduct unbecoming an employee by the Superintendent who shall recommend to the Board of Education the imposition, if any, of further penalties.

Should a supervisor determine from the physical aspects, appearance, or behavior of an employee that s/he might be under the influence of drugs, said employee shall be taken to a local health facility for further diagnosis. Should the employee 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 an employee, and his/her case immediately referred to the Board for disposition.

Exceptions to suspension provision may be made for drug dependent or alcohol dependent person as determined by a qualified physician.