New school background checks to add to burdened system

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Many newly hired school employees must undergo criminal background checks as of Jan. 1, adding to the load of an already backlogged system.

The state overhauled its system for dealing with abused and neglected children this year, and part of the changes include requiring criminal background checks for all new school employees who have contact with children, which could include everyone from teachers to cooks and janitors. Some school districts also are choosing to have their existing employees checked.

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