New enhanced background checks available for school districts

(From the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

As part of ongoing efforts to protect the safety of Missouri children, school districts and charter schools across the state now have access to enhanced background checks for school employees and applicants. The new system allows schools to know more quickly when an employee has been arrested for an alleged crime. Yearly background checks are required by law for any public school staff members who have contact with students.

The enhanced system provides several benefits:

· Results are returned electronically through a secure web account, decreasing turnaround time.

· Applicants and authorized agencies will be able to track the status of background checks.

· Results will be available in a PDF format for up to 90 days and may be viewed, printed or saved according to district policy.

· Districts and charter schools will be able to sort and search for results.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is providing training for authorized district personnel. Districts and charter schools will be required to designate a Lead Agency Security Officer to monitor use of the web account and supporting equipment, to ensure that screening procedures are followed, and to inform the Highway Patrol of any security incidents.

More information about background checks is available at http://goo.gl/zVOZlj.