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."