Pa. Tightens Rules For Employment In Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa.,None — A new Pennsylvania state law that overhauls criminal history disclosure rules for all public and private school employees also imposes a lifetime ban on working in a school for people who commit certain crimes.

The law, which was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on June 30, took effect late last month.

School employees must now report any arrests or convictions of serious crimes in their past by Dec. 27.

Education Department spokesman Tim Eller said an employee who admits to having a conviction for one of 27 specific offenses must be terminated immediately. Those crimes include criminal homicide, drug convictions, sexual assault and luring a child.

The law applies to teachers, administrators, support staff and contractors.

WPXI