The Caldwell County Board of Education took the first step Monday evening toward a major shift in its hiring process, voting to move forward with a policy change that would eliminate mandatory drug testing for job applicants.
The Board approved a motion to place revisions to Policy 7240 on a 30-day period for public comment. If finalized, the change would strike “Section C” of the current policy, which requires al new full-time and part-time hires to pass a drug screen as a condition of employment.
Under the previous version of the policy, any applicant who tested positive for illegal or prohibited drugs was automatically disqualified from employment with the school system.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Howell said the proposed change is an effort to eliminate a challenge to hiring top candidates.
“Earlier this year we had several employee candidates that were delayed employment for several days due to a backlog in drug testing from the companies we use,” Howell said in an email to the News-Topic. “We do have safeguards in place once an employee is hired where we can require a mandatory drug and/or alcohol test if there is reasonable suspicion that the employee may be under the influence while at work.”
Howell also said bus driver positions are not part of the drug test change. THey will continued to be required to pass a Department of Transportation drug test.
“The period for public comment will be posted until the next board meeting,” he said. “We will review all feedback and deliver the information to the board so they can make informed decisions before a vote is conducted. The Board will determine if and when they will have a final vote. The Board can also choose to keep the current policy.”
An added provision in Policy 3400 detailing how students in grades K-2 will be evaluated is also open for public comment.
If finalized, student progress in reading and math will be measured on a four-point scale, with a score of one indicating performance below grade level and a four indicating the student is exceeding expectations.
The revision would also track progress in science, social studies, electives, and conduct using a three-letter system in grades K-2, as well as for electives in grades 3-5.
Under this system, students meeting expectations will receive an “S” for Satisfactory. Those on the cusp of meeting goals will receive an “N” for Needs Improvement, while underperforming students will receive a “U” for Unsatisfactory.
It was noted by the board that the revision for policy 3400 is simply “putting into policy procedures that were already in place.”