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A recent state audit revealed that several Brevard School employees did not go through the state-mandated background screening process.

Results of the Audit

Florida state law says that coaches and staff at public schools must be screened every five years. The audit revealed that at least 27 instructional employees did not go through the required screening process. At least one employee had not been screened for ten years.

The lack of screening was attributed to communication issues between the Human Resources Department, School Security and the District Office. Upon learning about this gap, the three departments worked together and ordered background checks on employees who were overdue.

One section of the audit addressed the need for ongoing background checks. Without them, the author suggests: "There is an increased risk that individuals with unsuitable backgrounds may have direct contact with students."

Tragically, a serious criminal case reminded the community that it is possible for potentially dangerous people to gain employment within a school system.

An Elementary School Principal Was Arrested

The need for comprehensive background checks and ongoing screenings was recently addressed at a community forum within the Brevard Public Schools district. One of the primary topics focused on a shocking event that occurred during the summer of 2016. The principal of a local elementary school was arrested on charges of child pornography.

During the arrest, officers inspected the principal's computers. They discovered over 1,100 files contained child pornography. It was later learned that while this principal was a teacher at another elementary school, he had been reprimanded for talking inappropriately and giving gifts to a six-year-old student. That fact was not known by the Superintendent when the district selected this man to be promoted to principal.

The state audit covered the 2015 - 2016 school year, so it occurred before the principal was arrested. Since then, the district has become diligent about running background checks. Regular performance checks were also approved. Both will now be more frequent and strictly regulated in all Brevard Public Schools.

The district is also actively working on improvements to the process used to select new principals.

Why Ongoing Background Checks Are Important for All School Employees

Schools have many employees who are not teachers. The staff includes coaches, cafeteria workers and others who deal directly with students. It is imperative to run background checks on anyone who is being considered for employment at an educational facility, and to conduct regular screenings on existing employees.

Ongoing screenings can show you if an employee incurs a criminal conviction or another negative mark on their record. This allows administrative personnel to stay informed about the people on their staff and to verify that each person remains eligible for employment. In school settings, the safety of students is of paramount importance.

If you have questions about scheduling ongoing screenings, please contact our team for assistance. Our team can also help you determine what types of searches should be run for specific positions. This might include county and statewide criminal searches, motor vehicle searches for employees who drive students or co-workers during business hours, or any other search that provides information you need to know about potential and current staff.