The issue in this article surrounds the dissemination of arrest and differed adjudication records for teachers. The district and two additional statewide groups want for arrests and non conviction data not available for public viewing. Since this data is not being used for employment purposes, as these educators are already employed and not subject to termination, so the Fair Credit Reporting Act is not in play. This is a matter that may set a precedence for other school districts. Read more…

The criminal records of some juveniles could become public record under legislation passed by a Senate committee. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Norman said parents and school officials are often at a disadvantage, not knowing the history of juvenile delinquents in their neighborhoods and schools.

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Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, schools and schoolyards are enticing places for sexual predators. The combination of a large, moving target population and unique security issues gives sexual offenders the feeling of easy pickings. Today, keeping children safe from sexual predators is one of the top concerns of school officials, students, and parents. Read more…

Flight Schools Fight Background Checks
A bill that’s been lurking under the legislative radar in New York for almost four years has been revived by the state Senate and will hurt the flight training industry there, according to local schools and pilot organizations. In 2002, New York, like many other states, thought it prudent to step into federal jurisdiction by trying to institute background checks on student pilots. As protests grew and federal regulations came into play, most states simply dropped their initiatives. However, New York’s background-check law has remained on the legislative agenda and was revived last week by a vote in the Senate.