BREA : Bus Drivers to Be Tested for Drug Use
Bus drivers in the Brea Olinda Unified School District will be subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol beginning Jan. 1.
The district has not had problems with drivers being under the influence, Assistant Supt. Peter J. Boothroyd said, but officials want to have the testing program in place to comply with federal mandates.
“The intent is to improve the safety net that we place around students’ transportation,” Boothroyd said.
Under the program, approved by the school board Monday night, the district’s 12 bus drivers will be subjected to random testing for alcohol and other controlled substances at various intervals during the year. The tests will cost the district about $35 each, Boothroyd said.
The testing will be stringent and will attempt to detect employees whose driving might be impaired because of alcohol they consumed the night before a urine test, officials said.
“This is serious business, but it’s not a witch hunt,” said Assistant Supt. Gary Goff. “It’s to protect the public and the kids.”
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