Pubdate: Thu, 10 Sep 2009
Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2009 Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Contact: http://www.heraldtribune.com/section/opinion04
Website: http://www.heraldtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/398
Author: Christopher O'Donnell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

NEW MANATEE TEACHERS MAY FACE DRUG TESTING

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."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom