In an effort to develop and maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, the Sevier School District Board of Education has adopted a policy requiring employees to report suspected criminal or alcohol violations occurring on the premises or at the site of a district activity.
Supervisors and administrators aware of a violation of the standards will be required to take immediate action to correct violations. The policy prohibits supervisors or administrators from searching employees, however.An administrator may conduct or authorize searches of an employee's work station, locker or other school district facilities and equipment and may require the employee to submit to drug testing procedures if there is a reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol possession, use or distribution.
The policy calls for notification to the superintendent and police of suspected violators. "The employee should be suspended without pay pending the outcome of the police investigation," it further states.
In other action, the board:
-Voted to proceed with an independent consultant to in-service and educate staffs and communities about year-round education. The consultant will also survey patrons to get their desires concerning year-round school.
-Is considering a possible increase in school lunch prices for the next school year. Samuel Ware, director of business affairs, said concerns are prompted by higher food costs, decreased availability of government commodities, possible cutbacks in federal funding and increased salary and fringe benefits for school lunch employees.
-Announced that South Sevier and North Sevier high schools will convert to the trimester schedule. Richfield High has previously been on that system.