PACT Charter School

Original Creation Date: December 3, 2015
Last Approved By: PACT Charter School Board of Directors
Last Approved Date: July 11, 2024
Year Reviewed: 2024-2025

PURPOSE 

For the health and safety of students and employees, PACT Charter School prohibits employees from manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing or using illegal controlled substances in the workplace. Employees are further prohibited from possessing, using or distributing alcohol in the workplace. 

1. Controlled Substances. It is a violation of this policy to illegally manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use illegal controlled substances on school premises, during school-sponsored activities or in the workplace. 
2. Alcohol. It is a violation of this policy to possess, use or distribute alcoholic beverages on school premises or during school-sponsored activities. 
3. Toxic Substances. It is a violation of this policy to possess, use or distribute toxic substances with the intent of inducing intoxication or excitement of the central nervous system. 

DEFINITIONS 

For purposes of this policy, the following terms shall mean: 

1. “Alcohol” includes any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, or other intoxicating liquor.         2. “Controlled substances” include narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis (MN Statutes 181.952) anabolic steroids, or any other controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §812, including analogs and look-alike drugs. 
2. “Toxic substances” includes glue, cement, aerosol paint, or other substances used or possessed with the intent of inducing intoxication or excitement of the central nervous system. 
3. “Use” includes to sell, buy, manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances, whether or not to receive remuneration or consideration. 5. “Possess” means to have on one’s person, in one’s effects, or an area subject to one’s control. 
4. “School location” includes any school building or on any school premises; in any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities; off school property at any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event, or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school; or during any period of time such employee is supervising students on behalf of the school otherwise engaged in school business. 

MANDATORY REPORTING 

Employees shall, within five (5) calendar days of conviction, notify the Principal(s) of any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace. The Principal(s) shall notify the appropriate federal agency of conviction. 

ENFORCEMENT 

Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment by the provisions of the current employment agreement or other procedures established by the PACT School Board and referral for prosecution. 

EXCEPTIONS 

It is not a violation of this policy for a person to possess an alcoholic beverage in a school location when the possession is within the exceptions of Minn. Stat. §624.701, subd. 1a (experiments in laboratories under a temporary license to sell liquor issued under Minnesota laws or possession after the purchase from such a temporary license holder) has been approved by the PACT School Board of Directors. 

DISTRIBUTION OF POLICY 

This policy shall be distributed to all employees of PACT Charter School. Periodic in-service programs will be held that inform employees about the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse in the workplace, the school’s employee assistance program or other rehabilitation programs available, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for violations of this policy. 

All employees are expected to abide by the provisions of this policy. 

Legal References: 

Minn. Stat. §624.701 (Liquor in Certain Buildings or Grounds) 

41 U.S.C. §§701-707 (Drug-Free Workplace Act) 

20 U.S.C. §§7101-7165 (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act) 

21 U.S.C. §812 (Schedules of Controlled Substances)

21 C.F.R. §§1308.11-1308.15 (Controlled Substances) 

34 C.F.R. Part 85 (Government-Wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace)

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. §624.701 (Liquor in Certain Buildings or Grounds)

41 U.S.C. §§701-707 (Drug-Free Workplace Act)

20 U.S.C. §§7101-7165 (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act)

21 U.S.C. §812 (Schedules of Controlled Substances)

21 C.F.R. §§1308.11-1308.15 (Controlled Substances)

34 C.F.R. Part 85 (Government-Wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace)