Kansas Educators Plan to Fingerprint Teachers

TEACHERS-FINGERPRINTS

Kan. educators planning to fingerprint teachers

(Information in the following story is from: Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com)

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Kansas State Board of Education is drafting a plan that would require all teachers in the state to submit fingerprints and undergo extensive background checks, but some school districts are concerned about requiring more costs from their educators.

Education Board attorney Scott Gordon says some districts already require fingerprint checks as a condition of employment, but those can’t legally be transferred to the state. The Lawrence Journal-World reports state-required checks would mean new fingerprints would have to be completed – often at the expense of the teachers.

The state board in September called for new rules as part of an effort to strengthen enforcement of state laws and regulations prohibiting anyone who has committed certain crimes from receiving or renewing a teaching license.