Posted on 02/24/2008 7:50:46 AM PST by markomalley
DENVER (AP) - State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require school districts to report teacher violations to the state within 24 hours, amid reports of public school teachers involved in unlawful behavior with students -- including sexual misconduct.
Golden Democratic Representative Gwyn Green introduced the bill yesterday. It would strip school boards and the state Board of Education of immunity from lawsuits if they fail to do hiring background checks for teachers.
The bill would give the state board 24 hours to do a complete background check on teacher applicants.
It would also require school districts to report any teacher who's dismissed or who resigns as a result of unlawful behavior involving a child -- if supported by a preponderance of the evidence.
If the board or school district fails to do a background check before hiring, a parent of a child victim could sue.
Currently, results of background checks are not required before a credential is issued.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation spokesman Lance Clem says a check of state records could be done quickly, but that it would be tough to meet the 24-hour requirement.
Clem says it takes up to two weeks to do the national background check required under current law.
It is time that management of public entities are held to the same standard of personal liability that management and boards of corporations are held to. No more, no less.
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