Did you know teachers in North and South Carolina are not required to take drug tests before they go into the classroom?
The information came to light after NBC Charlotte learned the Rock Hill School Board shot down the idea of drug testing students since teachers aren’t held to the same standard.
In both states, it’s up to district leaders to decide if teachers have to take a drug test before they’re hired. After hours of research, we learned only one school district in our viewing area has that requirement:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools require teachers to take a drug test before and during employment. Other districts in North Carolina with a similar policy include Vance and Guilford.
In South Carolina, according to the State Department of Education, just like North Carolina, teachers aren’t required to take a drug test before heading into the classroom; the decision is left up to district leaders.
After making numerous calls around the state, including York, Chester and Lancaster counties, NBC Charlotte could not find one district where teachers were drug tested before they’re hired.
“I’m very surprised that teachers don’t have to go drug testing,” said Julie Pickle, whose daughter attends Northwestern High in Rock Hill. “To know that some of those teachers could be potentially on drugs; that’s very concerning.”
Others said the concern should be shifted to students.
“Drug test the students, because they’re coming from all kinds of homes and homelessness,” said Alberta Anthony, a former teacher who taught in York County for 40 years.
Even though the school districts don’t require drug tests, they do require background checks.