Bill would require pre-employment drug screening for school workers

(Harrisburg) — A state lawmaker wants to make pre-employment drug screenings mandatory for teachers and others who work in schools.

Criminal background and child abuse checks are already required for potential school employees.

Representative Tony DeLuca says many private employers make applicants submit to drug screenings.

“If employees in other areas of the workforce can be required to be pre-screened for drug use, certainly Pennsylvania school employees should be held to the same standard,” DeLuca says.

The Allegheny County Democrat says people involved with drugs should not be allowed to have daily contact with school children.

The bill would apply to all prospective employees of public and private schools, intermediate units and area vocational technical schools.

The measure has been referred to the education committee.