Board considers first readings on criminal background checks and library-resources policy

The Yankton School District 63-3 School Board reviewed two policy updates on first reading: an updated criminal background-check policy and a revised library and school materials reconsideration policy. Both items will return for final board action at the next meeting.

District counsel said the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) audited district practices and recommended policy updates. The proposed criminal background-check policy would require a criminal check for every person employed by the district who is 18 or older; conditional temporary offers are permitted while checks are pending, but applicants with certain felony convictions for violent crime or drug distribution would be ineligible to work in the district. Woodward said the district must store background-check results in a secure, locked cabinet (not electronically) and retain them for at least five years. Employees who access those records must complete required training.

On library materials and other school resources, counsel said new legislation enacted earlier this year requires a clear reconsideration process for materials challenged on obscenity grounds, including review steps through building staff, a superintendent-appointed committee and a board appeal; judicial review in circuit court is an available next step if a board decision is challenged. The revised policy also includes a preventive option for principals and librarians to require parental consent for particularly controversial items.

Both policy readings were described as updates to align district practice with state review findings and recent legislation; the board will consider final adoption at the next regular meeting.