DCPS not performing required drug tests

Washington Examiner. Staff testing is becoming an integral process for most employers now, so a report like this has sent shock waves around the community – especially due to the fact that these employees are in close contact with children. D.C. teacher screening code “The D.C. Code requires that [DC Public Schools] employees who work in safety-sensitive positions undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing,” D.C. Inspector General Charles Willoughby wrote. “This requirement is not being enforced at DCPS, and the policy and procedures necessary to implement testing of DCPS appointees and employees have not been finalized.” Under District law, employees in so-called “safety-sensitive positions” – jobs that bring the employees into direct contact with children and youth – should be subjected to screenings for drugs and alcohol. However, when city investigators began probing the existence of a testing program in January, they found little evidence that one existed. A few months later, a DCPS official acknowledged to investigators that the agency didn’t have a screening program. DCPS statement In a statement, DCPS spokeswoman Melissa Salmanowitz reiterated that the agency still intends to put a testing program into place. “DCPS is committed to ensuring all students are safe,” Salmanowitz said. “We are working on the final details of a drug and alcohol testing policy that we expect to implement in the upcoming school year.” A nationwide problem? It’s not just D.C. that seems to be failing in this area. The inspector general also said at least three states have encountered difficulty imposing random drug testing for teachers”. However, it was also noted that “regardless of what has transpired in other jurisdictions regarding drug testing of school employees, the District’s requirement is clear and has not been implemented.” All in all, it’s a worrying situation. Children are one of the most vulnerable sectors of society, and need the most protection. We hope that D.C. – and any other districts who have yet to implement a sufficient teacher screening program – get their act together soon.  ]]>