The Board of Education recognizes alcoholism and drug abuse as treatable illnesses. When such illnesses impair the performance of students or employees, the Board recognizes the responsibility to assist in the treatment of those illnesses.

A student or employee having an illness or other problem relating to the use of alcohol or other drugs will receive the same careful consideration and offer of assistance that is presently extended to students or employees having any other illness.

The responsibility to correct unsatisfactory job performance or behavior resulting from a suspected health problem rests with the student or employee. Failure to do so, for whatever reason, will result in appropriate corrective or disciplinary action as determined by the Board.

No student will be penalized and no employee will have his/her job security or promotion opportunities jeopardized by his/her request for counseling or referral assistance.

Medical records of students and employees with alcohol or other drug abuse problems will be preserved with the same degree of confidence as all other medical records.

Students and employees who suspect they may have an alcoholism or other drug abuse problem are encouraged to seek counseling and information on a confidential basis by contacting resources available for such service.

This policy applies to all students and Board employees.