Hawaii Says Yes but No to Drug Testing

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Drug testing for teachers? Why? Well...why not? It has nothing to do with a person's invasion of privacy. Teachers are one of the most influential people in our children's lives and they probably spend more time with our children then we (parents) do. As parents we want to make sure our kids our safe in school. And if you have nothing to hide, then what's the problem? It doesn't make the school look bad at all...on the contrary, it will raise the school's morale & teacher's camaraderie. And yes! They should take a survey with all the parents and see what they say. I believe the parents are the ones that have the final say.

A.Michelle of HI 4:05PM June 01, 2011

Mr. Mike McCartney should take a survey on how parents of the students feel about drug testing teachers. I believe that most parents welcome the idea of drug testing teachers. We as parents want to know that the teachers teaching our children are drug free. We definitely teach our children that drugs are BAD and to be drug free. So what is the problem of drug testing teachers? Almost every private company and federal agency I know off drug test their employees. Is there something Mr. McCartney is trying hide from the parents? And what the heck does drug testing have to do with raising test scores?
THE TEACHERS SHOULD BE DRUG TESTED.

HD of HI 2:46PM June 01, 2011

i think it is right

bob of MI 11:47AM February 12, 2009

AN INVASION OF PRIVACY PERIOD.

robert rich of NC 2:36PM January 21, 2009

A drug test is non invasive - inexpensive and the programs work as demonstrated by DOT testing. They are an incentive not to use drugs and they should not be used as a got ya program.
Until we stop spending billions and billions to buy and use illegal drugs, we need to use the tools that are available.
Our teachers influance their pupils lives and can send a positive message about drug abuse and staying clear of drugs and alcohol.
Teachers spend so much time with the kids, often more then their parents.
It is essential that we have professional educators that are always functioning at the top of their game every class, every day.
Come on Hawaii, heres your chance to show professional educators all over the USA that being drug free and prould of it is good for our teachers our kids and America.

ds of NY 2:20PM January 19, 2009

I find it incredibly stupid that this is even an issue. If the teachers already agreed to this random testiong in order to obtain a higher salary, then what is the problem here? If they suddenly decide they don't want to comply with the random testings, then they are breaking the contract. Would not their salary raises also be forfeit? Seriously, with all the criticism about the quality of US education, you would think the teachers would have more to worry about than crying over ranc=dom drug testing. If you got nothing to hide then stop crying and take the test please.... so stupid....

jay of NY 5:04PM January 08, 2009

I am subject to random alcohol and drug testing where I work. When I was in school I was also subject to random drug testing as an athlete.
What is the big deal? If the union and the employer agreed to something (hopefully in writing) than where is the case. If the union loses they should be responsible for legal expenses incurred by the state.

sawtooth of LA 6:43AM January 03, 2009

After they agreed the testing became a contract. If they don't want to keep up their end of the bargan the state should cancle the raises.

Wayne Taylor of TN 7:38PM January 02, 2009

Just take that raise back until both sides of deal are performed.
I actually sort of agree with second poster, though. Random testing for anything flies directly in the face of the constitution. We ought not do it.
How would you like to be pulled out of your car while driving for a random blood alcohol test? Being pulled out of your job for a drug test is same thing.
BTW, I have never used an illegal drug in my life.

of 4:08PM January 02, 2009

I read the previous comment and found it surprising that the individual wants a do over after the fact. If I read the article right the teachers union already agreed to the purposed drug testing. As far as I know aren't laws enacted to expose the lawless. Let's face it, locks keep an honest man out whereas the thief breaks in. One would hope that those who are breaking the law would be exposed for what they are, Criminals.

J. M. of WI 6:14AM January 02, 2009