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Presenter urges periodic vetting, drug testing and CPR recertification for school staff
Summary
A retired federal background investigator told the Kern County Board of Education that periodic security investigations, reasonable drug testing and current CPR/first‑aid certification could improve student safety and public confidence; trustees asked how such steps fit within state law and current district practices.
A retired background investigator urged the Kern County Board of Education on Tuesday to adopt more frequent vetting and accountability measures for school employees, saying periodic reviews can identify concerns early and protect students.
Joel McKay, who said he was not representing any organization and described 22 years in policing and 16 years conducting federal background investigations, told trustees that fingerprint checks given at hiring are insufficient over a career and cited instances where employees resigned rather than face termination. "At the end of the day, this is about one thing: protecting our students while preserving the integrity of the teaching profession," McKay said.
McKay recommended three broad steps: routine security investigations similar to federal continuous vetting programs, reasonable-suspicion or targeted drug testing when warranted, and ensuring teachers maintain up-to-date CPR and first‑aid certification. He argued such measures are not punitive but intended for early intervention and prevention, noting that federal continuous vetting affects "well under 1%" of covered individuals annually.
Trustees asked about local evidence of increasing incidents and about the limits of background data available to districts. McKay said fingerprint checks show convictions but do not reveal uncharged behavior or changing circumstances, and he suggested social-media checks and ongoing review cycles (every three to five years) to catch potential problems life changes can create.
County staff and trustees clarified existing legal limits during a question-and-answer period. Desiree VanFlew, who later led the LCAP presentation, noted California law requires fingerprint clearance before hire and that districts are notified if an employee is arrested; she said a newer state law improves information-sharing when employees move between districts. "There are things in place," VanFlew said, "but the system is not perfect." She added that the state sets the legal framework for testing and most random testing is restricted to positions such as bus drivers where statute requires screening.
McKay's appearance followed public comments and drew several trustees' interest in whether policy or legislative changes would be needed to implement the practices he described. The board did not take formal action on McKay's recommendations at the meeting; trustees directed staff to consider whether additional information or a future agenda item would be appropriate.
