Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited on any Paramus Public Schools worksite, event, or function:

• Use, sale, dispensing, distribution, possession, or manufacture of illegal drugs, including marijuana and other controlled substances.

• Use of prescription medications without a valid prescription.

• Use of inhalants or other substances that impair performance.

• Being under the influence of alcohol or any prohibited substances.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

The legal use of prescription or over-the-counter medications is not prohibited when used as directed. Employees are responsible for ensuring that the use of such medications does not impair job performance or compromise safety. If there is a risk, the employee must use appropriate leave or notify their supervisor to prevent unsafe practices.

Employee Responsibilities and Reporting

Employees must notify the Office of Human Resources within five (5) calendar days of:

• A conviction for a criminal drug statute violation in the workplace; or

• A conviction for operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

Vendor, Guest, and Volunteer Compliance

• Vendors: May be subject to contract termination.

• Guests: May be barred from school events.

• Volunteers: May be removed from service or disqualified from further participation.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employees experiencing challenges related to substance use may contact the NJEA-sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support at 866-243-6532 (866-AID-NJEA).

Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Safety-Sensitive Positions

Compliance with Federal Regulations: Paramus Public Schools adheres to the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 for employees in safety-sensitive positions, particularly school bus drivers. The goal is to prevent accidents caused by misuse of alcohol or controlled substances.

Prohibited Behavior for CDL Holders

Employees holding Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are prohibited from:

• Using any controlled substance without valid medical authorization and clearance;

• Consuming alcohol within four hours of performing a safety-sensitive function;

• Having a detectable alcohol concentration while on duty or within eight hours following an accident.

Records and Confidentiality

All drug and alcohol testing records will be maintained securely and in compliance with federal regulations. Employees may request access to their testing records in writing.

Upon written request, testing records may be shared with:

• 1. The employee’s prior or subsequent employer (with consent);

  2. The Federal Highway Administration for audit or review purposes.

Supervisor Training and Compliance

The Superintendent shall ensure that:

• Supervisors are properly trained to administer the policy; and

• All covered employees receive mandated notifications and procedural information.

Third-Party Transportation Contracts

All Board-approved transportation contractors must certify compliance with this policy and applicable federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Work Performance in Connection with Federal Grants

To qualify for federal grants, Paramus Public Schools certifies a drug-free workplace. Employees working under federal grants must comply fully with this policy. Any conviction for a drug-related offense occurring in the workplace must be reported by the employee to their supervisor within five (5) days. The District must notify the federal grant agency within ten (10) days of such notification.

Prohibited Activities: Gambling and Smoking

• Employees are prohibited from smoking or gambling in school buildings or on school grounds in accordance with applicable state law and district policy.

• Illegal gambling is strictly prohibited on all District worksites.