The amended law will require school districts to exercise a good faith effort to contact the applicant's previous employers. This process will include conducting a search of the Educator Information System as maintained by the Department of Education.
Additionally, school districts will be prohibited from employing an individual applying for a position that requires a valid fingerprint clearance card if that person has been the subject of disciplinary actions by the state Board of Education or has had their certificate suspended, surrendered or revoked by the board. Subsequent reinstatement of the certificate by the board would render the individual eligible for employment.
School districts in Arizona are encouraged to review the amended laws and adjust internal hiring and screening processes accordingly.
Posted: April 1, 2021