Glocester council backs stronger school employee background checks, adopts resolution

The Glocester Town Council on March 5 voted to adopt Resolution 2026-02 expressing the town's support for Rhode Island House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2216, legislation that would expand criminal and employment background checks for school employees across public, charter and nonpublic schools.

The resolution, read at the meeting, says the proposed bills would require detailed employment histories, verification of prior education and child-related employment, and disclosures about prior investigations or disciplinary actions. It also would include civil penalties for applicants who willfully falsify or omit information. "These bills strengthen Rhode Island statutory framework by ensuring that all school employee employment decisions are informed by complete and verified information," the resolution says.

Councilors framed the vote as a way to protect children and restore public trust in local schools. The council adopted the resolution by voice vote and directed that copies be sent to the governor, members of the General Assembly and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bills would give hiring entities more verified information to prevent individuals with histories of abuse or false credentials from working with children. Opponents were not recorded at the meeting; council discussion focused on the need for consistency across districts and accountability measures built into the legislation.

What the council did: The council voted to adopt Resolution 2026-02 and to transmit it to state officials. No amendment or alternate language was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps: The resolution will be forwarded to leaders at the Rhode Island House and Senate and to the Department of Education, per the motion passed at the meeting.