You Did It!
State Board tables proposed license regulations that KNEA describes as a "solution looking for a problem"
The Kansas State Board of Education voted 9-0 to table the package of proposed license regulations citing concerns over the Criminal History Records Check.
KNEA members opposed the proposed change that would require all license holders to have a fingerprint/background check at every renewal reasoning that current law and regulations should be enforced as the best way to address student safety. The proposal was submitted because notifications about licenses being suspended or revoked between school administrators, county and district attorneys, and the State Board are not happening properly.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) staff will bring a proposal to the June State Board meeting that will address the concerns raised by the Board. KNEA staff will work closely with KSDE staff as they draft the new proposal, to ensure that as many member concerns as possible are reflected in the new language.
KNEA members said learning about individuals who behaved in a manner that would cost them their license should be dealt with immediately, as described in state law and current board regulations, and not wait for a license renewal. KNEA called the changes "a solution looking for a problem" and contended this is about imposing a multi-million-dollar "solution" on 70,000 license holders in Kansas - teachers and administrators.
Less than 1,000th of 1% of Kansas license holders have been referred to the Professional Practices Commission within the last five years for involvement in incidents involving inappropriate actions with children/students. Currently, the KBI charges $50 for fingerprint/background checks.
