The Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio prohibits any employee directly under contract to the Educational Service Center from manufacturing, possessing, using, distributing, or dispensing any controlled substance while in a facility operated or served by the Educational Service Center or while involved in any program, related activity, or event, including but not limited to:
- alcohol,
- marijuana (even if prescribed to employee),
- any substance containing betel nut,
- any synthetic, counterfeit or "look alike" controlled substance, or
- any prescription drug or medication which is not prescribed for the employee
Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include non-renewal or termination of their contract and referral for prosecution. Assistance in obtaining information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available in the community will be granted upon written request of the employee to the Superintendent, or designee.
Agreement to this policy is a condition of employment with the ESC. Disciplinary consequences may occur if an employee is found to be in violation.
The Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators outlines additional disciplinary actions for violating the Use, Possession, or Distribution of Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Principle, which includes the potential for license suspension.
Reasonable Suspicion
Reasonable suspicion is defined as a belief that an employee, when appearing for duty or on the job, is under the influence of, or his/her job performance is impaired by, alcohol or other drugs.
Reasonable suspicion must be based upon objective facts or specific circumstances found to exist that present a reasonable basis to believe that an employee is under the influence of, or is using or abusing, alcohol and/or other drugs.
- Emphasis on observations that are currently occurring
- Objective observations: abnormal behavior, body odor, slurred speech, appearance, and other similar observations
- Not based on secondhand reports
Observable Indicators
Physical Indicators:- bloodshot or watery eyes
- flushed or pale complexion
- extensive sweating or clamminess
- dilated or constricted pupils
- unfocused, blank stare
- runny or bleeding nose
- jerky eye movement
- body odor
- overuse of cologne or breath spray
| Behavior Indicators:- fidgety/agitated
- irregular breathing
- nausea/vomiting
- slow reaction time
- unstable walking
- poor coordination, stumbling
- hand tremors
- suspicious, paranoid
- depressed, withdrawn
- irritable, moody
- extreme fatigue, sleeping
- dizziness, swaying
| Speech Indicators:- slurred or slow speech
- loud, boisterous
- incoherent, nonsensical
- repetitious, rambling
- rapid, excessive talkativeness
- cursing, inappropriate speech
- inability to concentrate
- delayed decision-making
- reduced alertness
- hostile, argumentative
- whispering
- crying
- excessive laughter
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