Drug testing proposed for teachers: School board idea faces opposition
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The proposal, which has been discussed with the teachers union during ongoing contract negotiations, has not been greeted with open arms.
?We?re not for random drug testing,? said Warren County Education Association president Sheila Gann. ?As professionals, we don?t think there should be testing unless there is reasonable suspicion.
?The principals know the teachers and they know if they?re not doing their job well or if they?re acting unusual. You know if people aren?t acting their normal self. With the cost, and the fact it would take teachers away from their classroom, this is something we don?t feel is necessary.?
The school board proposal calls for all teachers to be subjected to random drug testing, although only a portion of teachers would get tested each year.
According to school board member Mike Holland, a computer would determine which teachers are tested, much the same way students who participate in extracurricular activities are selected now. A few teachers would be picked from each school with larger schools having more teachers tested.
?As far as the school board is concerned, we think this is a positive step. I?m kind of surprised they?re against it,? said Holland. ?It?s a deterrent more than anything. Plus it would allow us to say we?re doing the right thing.?
By drug testing teachers, it would improve the school system?s image, and more importantly, safety in the classroom, Holland said. It would also put the school system in line with other local employers that require some form of drug testing. Because of the cost, about $20 for a urine test, drug testing every teacher is not feasible, according to Holland.
Under the proposed policy, teachers would have three chances before being fired.
The first positive test would result in a suspension, with pay, until a negative test is obtained. Counseling would be offered and teachers would be forced to sign a letter that states, ?If you are caught two more times, you will be dismissed from the system.? After one positive test, the drug tests are no longer random.
After a second positive test teachers would be required to seek help and be suspended without pay. A third positive test would mean termination.
?I think it should be random for the teachers the same way it is for the students,? said school board member John Turner. ?If we test one we need to test the other.?
Even though the school board and teachers union haven?t reached a drug testing agreement, both sides say they are willing to work together.
?They want what?s best for the school system and so do we,? said Gann.
The next negotiations meeting, which will include discussion on teacher pay, is scheduled for April 10 at 5 p.m. at the central office.