New Mexico school district eyes mandated drug teaching

A northern New Mexico school district may require all teachers, staff and student athletes to undergo drug testing.

The Las Vegas Optic reports West Las Vegas Schools is considering a proposal that would mandate drug testing amid an opioid crisis that has severely hurt parts of northern New Mexico.

Board member Ambrosio Castellano says those using narcotics or medications may not be fully aware or fully coherent during an emergency.

He cited a poll conducted among teachers which found that 35 percent of them said that their stress level was very high, and they were coping by taking antidepressants or other medications.

Superintendent Chris Gutierrez says he would look into the issue and conduct a survey to get feedback from teachers.

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Information from: Las Vegas Optic, http://www.lasvegasoptic.com

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