Schools Get More Info on Teachers Charged with Crimes

State Capitol, Phoenix) Teachers arrested for having sexual relationships with children or other serious crimes must now notify their bosses of the pending criminal charges. Speaker Pro Tem Bob Robson (R-Chandler) closed the loophole which allowed teachers to get back into the classroom after being charged with serious felonies. Failure to notify their schools could result in the loss of a teaching certificate. The Arizona Board of Fingerprinting must do background checks and issue fingerprint cards for teachers to be able to work. After teachers received their cards, there was little a school could do to verify that their employees were staying out of trouble. Now, teachers will be required to notify administrators of their pending charges immediately after their release. Failure to do so will bring automatic termination for unprofessional conduct. The Department of Public Safety will also report directly to school districts whenever someone with a fingerprint card is arrested. Having accused felons continue to supervise children until their court date arrives is too dangerous. Robson said. Schools need to know about any potential risks to their children. HB2042, signed by Gov. Napolitano this week, takes effect later this summer.