Background Checks

Mandatory Background Checks

School districts are required to conduct comprehensive background checks before hiring any individual. This includes teachers, administrators, support staff, part-time, substitute and contract employees. School districts must conduct subsequent background checks at least every five years on the anniversary of the school employee's initial date of hire. Districts may not charge employees for the cost of these background checks.  The Shenandoah Community School District requires a background check for all volunteers as well.

Authorization to Conduct a Background Check

The Shenandoah Community School District uses an outside vendor to conduct its employee background checks. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers background check information obtained by outside vendors to be "consumer reports" subject to the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The FCRA requires that applicants/employees be notified that background check information may be used to make decision relating to their employment. The district must also obtain written permission from the applicants/employees and obtained their permission to obtain background check information, complied with all FCRA requirements and will not discriminate against applicants/employees or otherwise misuse the information obtained through the background checks.

Applicants/employees are encouraged to review A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Release and Authorization Form

Release and Authorization to Conduct a Background Check