Spotsylvania County school board proposes new drug testing policy
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now) — A Virginia school district is considering a plan to randomly drug test its teachers.
Spotsylvania County school board members are considering a new drug testing policy which was introduced at a meeting less than a week after a second-grade teacher was arrested.
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On May 16, 35-year-old Candyce Carter was found by a school resource officer, allegedly under the influence of drugs at Spotswood Elementary School. According to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, the investigation continued, and suspected drugs were found in Carter’s classroom.
Then, Candyce Carter’s husband, Kristopher Carter, was found in the parking lot allegedly under the influence of drugs as well. A two-year-old child was in the car, too. Carter required medical attention and was arrested as well.
Candyce Carter faces felony counts of possession of schedule I/II narcotics, child endangerment and child neglect or abuse. Kristopher Carter faces a felony count of child endangerment and child neglect or abuse.
The following Monday, the county school board voted 7-to-0 to start a review of a random testing program for all employees and contractors who work with students.
Currently, only CDL employees are subject to drug testing in the district.
Interim Superintendent Kelly Guempel said a meeting was set up to discuss the cost and logistics of a program, which will likely be reviewed at the next board meeting in June.
Board members, including Carol Medawar, discussed the importance of providing support and resources for both students and staff who may be struggling.
“I want to make sure that we are sensitive to the fact that some people may have had that problem in the past but have worked through it,” she said.
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