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Drug testing is often a part of the pre employment test process for many employees, and teachers are no exception.

Most recently, school board members in Manatee County, Fla., have been considering amending employment policies to require all applicants to pass a drug screening test. Teachers and substitute teachers would be included in the new policy.

Drug tests are not currently part of the pre employment test requirement for the school district. However, the district has the ability to send any employee to be tested if they appear to be impaired at any time.

Student athletes are among those in the district who are randomly tested. Officials say the process serves as a deterrent and gives students a reason to say no to drugs. Those in favor of the new policy don't think school employees should be treated any differently. However, district officials say they haven't had any incidents to prompt the change.

As a state, Florida allows each county to decide whether or not school districts will drug test employees. Other counties in the state, including Orange and Sarasota counties, have already enforced the policy.

"We drug test all new employees, including substitutes," Scott Ferguson, Sarasota School District spokesman, told the Bradenton Herald, adding that students working part time for the district are exempt from the policy.

If the School District of Manatee County passes the policy, current employees would not be tested for drug use, and the district would pay the bill for any new hires needing to be tested.

"But you can’t put a price tag on being sure we have a drug-free work environment,” School Board member Harry Kinnan said.

Labels: Pre employment test