Teachers have to undergo a background check before being hired, but coaches and directors of extracurricular activities previously did not.
A law signed May 8 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty changes that.
Sponsored by Rep. Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), it takes effect Sept. 1, 2008.
The cost of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension background check will be the responsibility of the individual, and would not depend on the individual being paid by the school.
The school hiring authority may also request a background check for anyone who seeks to enter school grounds as a volunteer, work as an independent contractor or school employee. The cost is also the responsibility of the individual.
Coaches and those providing extracurricular services could be exempt if the results of their criminal background check were already on file or otherwise accessible. Enrolled student volunteers are also exempt from this requirement.
Each year, the school district must notify parents of the requirement.
HF2782/SF2369*/CH275
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