Board reviews second reading of drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace policy; staff wellness language under discussion

The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education held a second reading of policy GBEC (drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace), with staff proposing clarifying language about definitions, enforcement and employee support services and board members suggesting alternate titles that emphasize staff wellness.

Miss Donnelley (district staff presenter) summarized revisions intended to maintain a zero‑tolerance stance while ensuring employees have access to support. Revisions added a definition of school property, clarified references to enforcement and referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and enumerated potential disciplinary consequences while emphasizing pathways to support and recovery.

Board members requested editorial and substantive changes: Secretary Wofford and others proposed punctuation and capitalization adjustments in definitions (for example, standardizing "medical cannabis" casing and adding "medications" to prescription language), and Member Tenorio suggested a title that foregrounds employee wellness (for example, "Employee Wellness and Substance‑Free Workplace"). Donnelley said those changes would be incorporated for the third reading.

Board members asked how the student‑focused statutory language referenced in state regulations would be handled; Donnelley said the district will place student‑directed sanctions and graduated restorative steps into a separate regulation that covers student consequences and will keep the staff workplace policy focused on employees and referrals to EAP.

No final vote was taken on GBEC at the meeting; staff said they expect to bring a revised draft back for a third reading and final approval.