Schools; noncertificated personnel; background investigations
One significant impact of SB1136 is the requirement for school districts to assume the costs associated with fingerprint checks for new employees. While the districts can charge these costs back to fingerprinted employees, exceptions apply for unpaid personnel. This financial responsibility might prompt school districts to review their hiring processes, as the costs must be accounted for, possibly affecting hiring practices, especially for part-time or volunteer positions.
SB1136 amends Section 15-512 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on employment practices for noncertificated personnel in schools. The bill mandates that noncertificated personnel who are not paid employees and are allowed to provide direct services to students without supervision must undergo fingerprinting as a condition of their employment. It aims to enhance the safety of students by ensuring that individuals working closely with them have passed background checks that reveal any prior criminal records.
Notably, SB1136 allows school districts to employ noncertificated personnel even before receiving the results of the fingerprint check, provided they undertake specific safety measures. This provision might raise concerns among parents and guardians regarding the safety of their children, as it permits individuals without verified backgrounds to engage with students until their fingerprints clear. Opponents of this policy might argue that it undermines thorough vetting processes designed to protect children from potentially hazardous individuals.