Board approves first readings of background‑check policy revisions after federal audit interpretation

Aberdeen School District 06-1 board members approved first readings of revisions to background-check policies — GBB and GBB‑R — and a companion volunteer policy, GBBV, after staff outlined changes prompted by audits of state school background-check procedures.

Suzanne, a district staff member presenting the changes, told the board that an FBI/Division of Criminal Investigation review prompted a re-interpretation of South Dakota codified law cited in the presentation (transcript references: "13, 10, 12"), concluding the district should limit checks under GBB to employees over age 18, student teachers and instructors employed by a technical school. Suzanne said that contractor employees (notably LSI personnel) and volunteers would be removed from GBB/GBB‑R wording and handled under a separate policy (GBBV) using a distinct ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number so the FBI/DCI will process those checks under the appropriate volunteer/child-protection channel. "It's just a different handling — the process is the same, it's just under a different ORI number," Suzanne said.

Board members asked whether the change was a requirement or a recommendation. Suzanne and the superintendent clarified the audit's interpretation does not itself create a statutory requirement but that the FBI would no longer process volunteer or contractor-employee checks under the district's existing ORI, making an administrative change necessary to continue processing those checks. The presenters said volunteers' background-check fees are paid by the district; employees who work for outside contractors (for example, LSI) would be tested under the contractor's arrangements.

Brian Sharp moved the first reading of GBB and GBB‑R; Dr. Borton seconded. The board approved the first reading by voice vote. The first reading of GBBV was also moved and seconded (second by Olsen) and approved by voice vote. The board chair later moved that the board enter executive session citing SDCL 1‑25‑2 1; a motion to move into executive session was seconded by Gordon and the vote was called.

The changes affect how volunteers and contractor employees are routed for criminal-history checks and require the district to obtain and use a separate ORI number; the board approved the policies for first reading and did not adopt final policy language in this meeting.