The Board of Education, as an employer, is concerned with the well-being of its employees, the need to maintain employee productivity and the successful accomplishment of its mandate to provide education to the students of the Gratiot-Isabella Intermediate School District. Moreover, the Board recognizes that its employees serve as role models to students. Substance abuse by employees constitutes a grave threat to their physical and mental well-being, significantly impedes their job performance and ability to achieve their work objectives, and is a detriment to their effectiveness as positive role models. Accordingly, it is the policy of the Board to implement a drug prevention program and to prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, being under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol, and any drug paraphernalia, by all employees on school premises or as part of any school business, activity, or function pursuant to Public Law 101-226, otherwise known as the Drug-Free Schools land Communities Act Amendments of 1989, 20 USC 3171 et seq., and its promulgated regulations, 34 CFR Part 86.

"Illicit substances" include alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form; illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as "controlled substances" pursuant to Federal and Michigan law; anabolic steroids, human growth hormones or other performance-enhancing drugs; substances purported to be illegal, abusive, or performance-enhancing, i.e., "look-alike drugs". See 21 USC 812; MCL 333.7104, MCL 333.17766a, MCL 436.2.

"School premises" include any school building or any other school property which is owned, leased or otherwise occupied for school purposes or in connection with any school business, activity, or function; any school-owned vehicle or any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or a school business, activity, or function off school property.

"School business, activity, or function" includes any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event or function, such as, a field trip or athletic event where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district; any activity performed by the employe which is within the scope of his/her employment, duties, or job description.

The Board of Education believes that quality education is not possible in an environment affected by drugs. It will seek, therefore, to establish and maintain an educational setting which meets the requirements set forth in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

In compliance with the Act, the Board prohibits the manufacture, possession, use, distribution, or dispensing of any controlled substance, including alcohol by any member of the District's support staff at any time while on District property or while involved in any District-related activity or event. Any staff member who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with District guidelines and the terms of collective bargaining agreements.

The Superintendent shall establish whatever programs and procedures are necessary to meet the Federal certification requirements but which also comply or do not interfere with collective bargaining agreements.

P.L. 101-126
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. 701, et seq.
20 U.S.C. 3224A

Revised 4/15/97