Board reviews first reading to update criminal background check policy to meet DCI audit findings

Spearfish School District 40-2 presented a first reading of proposed revisions to its criminal background check policy (Policy 04/2012) on March 10 to address findings from a Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) audit.

District staff said the audit identified three items: completion of required annual training for staff who handle background checks; the need for logs recording when background checks are requested or received from other districts; and the addition of two lines clarifying that applicants have 30 days to challenge or provide their criminal history information and that criminal history records are retained for the duration of employment plus a minimum of five years after employment ends. Staff reported the training and logs have been completed; the policy revisions would add the two retention and notification lines.

Staff said that if the board approves the revisions at second reading next month, the district will be in full compliance with the DCI audit recommendations. The item was presented as a first reading with the expectation of returning to the board in April for final consideration.