Brunswick County schools expand drug testing policy for bus drivers

BRUNSWICK COUNTY -- Brunswick County school administrators are tightening the reins on employees. Board members and Superintendent Katie McGee discussed expanding their drug testing policy. The current policy requires anyone who drives a county bus to get tested. The amended policy will extend to all new and current school employees randomly selecting about 10 percent of the school work force each year. It's a decision school officials feel is necessary to keep students safe. Brunswick County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Terry Chestnutt said, "It's just a heightened awareness that we want to attack any potential drug problems or issues that may or not exist in Brunswick County schools. The primary focus is to assist our employees, but not at the expense to compromise or jeopardize the safety of our children or other employees." Brunswick County is the only school district in the area implementing the extensive employee drug testing. The school board will budget $25,000-$30,000 to cover the costs. The random testing begins July 1.