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New Manatee teachers may face drug testing
By Christopher O'Donnell
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 11:20 p.m.
MANATEE COUNTY - School district officials are proposing that all new employees and substitute teachers pass a drug test before being hired. School Board members will review the policy at a meeting Monday night.
"It's a deterrent," said Darcy Hopko, assistant superintendent. "We would like anyone that comes on board to be totally clear of any kind of drugs."
If adopted, new hires would have to submit a urine sample for the test that detects most recreational drugs and also some prescription drugs such as methadone and barbiturates.
Each test costs the district $44. The district hires around 250 new employees each year.
The district already tests bus drivers and custodians.
Current teachers and other workers would be exempt unless the district suspects them of drug use, Hopko said.
Pat Barber, president of the Manatee Education Association, said the union does not have a position on testing new hires.
"It's a management prerogative to make a policy for pre-employment testing," she said.
School Board member Harry Kinnan said testing would bring the district in line with local companies such as Tropicana, which tests all workers.
"We do random-test our student athletes," Kinnan said. "I think in this environment this is a reassurance that we do have a drug-free workplace."
this is a county over from us, but I guess I thought all teachers were drug tested and background checked before hiring? I'm in a support dept at a hospital and we drug test all new hires...
By Christopher O'Donnell
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 11:20 p.m.
MANATEE COUNTY - School district officials are proposing that all new employees and substitute teachers pass a drug test before being hired. School Board members will review the policy at a meeting Monday night.
"It's a deterrent," said Darcy Hopko, assistant superintendent. "We would like anyone that comes on board to be totally clear of any kind of drugs."
If adopted, new hires would have to submit a urine sample for the test that detects most recreational drugs and also some prescription drugs such as methadone and barbiturates.
Each test costs the district $44. The district hires around 250 new employees each year.
The district already tests bus drivers and custodians.
Current teachers and other workers would be exempt unless the district suspects them of drug use, Hopko said.
Pat Barber, president of the Manatee Education Association, said the union does not have a position on testing new hires.
"It's a management prerogative to make a policy for pre-employment testing," she said.
School Board member Harry Kinnan said testing would bring the district in line with local companies such as Tropicana, which tests all workers.
"We do random-test our student athletes," Kinnan said. "I think in this environment this is a reassurance that we do have a drug-free workplace."
