29-01-2025
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board votes down proposed change to drug-free workplace policy
FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education discussed making changes to a policy that would allow them to hire people even if they fail a pre-employment drug test.
The current drug-free workplace policy turns away people who test positive for THC, a compound found in marijuana.
During Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, community members called to end or keep a more-than-10-year-old policy held by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
'I do not think lowering the standards for people who are responsible for children is the way to go. I think the better option is to treat teachers better and offer better incentives,' said one parent.
These speakers shared their thoughts on the removal of a policy that would prevent candidates from being rejected for testing positive for THC.
If a candidate fails the initial drug test they can still be hired but have to take 4 random drug test throughout their first year of employment.
'Quality teachers don't smoke ingest or inject drugs that could impact their ability to teach students. I can not believe we're having this conversation,' said a community member.
Prior to Tuesday night's discussion if a candidate tested positive for THC they would be disqualified for half a year.
Some folks hope to get rid of that policy in order to fill open positions.
'This change would allow to expand our hiring pool and stay competitive with neighboring counties,' one community advocate said.
Ultimately, school leaders had the final say.
The Board of Education voted 8-1 to keep the policy.
Neighboring school districts like Guilford County do not drug test teachers but they do test bus drivers as a condition of their employment.
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