A closer look at YISD drug policy following Parkland High accusations

The recent accusations of illegal drug use by Ysleta Independent School District teachers has ABC-7 looking into the district’s drug policy.

Rumors are flying among Parkland High School students and parents in northeast El Paso.

“I’m in shock. I don’t know what to think. I hope it’s not one of my daughter’s teachers,” Melissa Sikes said.

“My daughter had told me about it, and then I saw it on the news,” Mela LeBarbara said.

Parkland High School parents told ABC-7 after school Thursday that they have heard about three teachers who resigned after YISD launched an investigation into illicit drug use.

The El Paso Times reported one English teacher tested positive for morphine. The teacher, who remained unnamed, told district officials he had a prescription due to an abscessed tooth.

YISD spokeswoman Patricia Ayala confirmed there are two new English vacancies at Parkland High in the last month. She said there is not currently an active investigation at the school.

District policy states an employee shall be required to submit to drug and alcohol tests upon reasonable suspicion and if the employee refuses, disciplinary action, up to and including termination, could be imposed.