Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor provided an update on Montgomery County Public Schools’ efforts to improve background screening procedures and reassure families that all current employees have passed the necessary background checks, in response to an Inspector General report that revealed long-standing gaps in these processes.
With an emphasis on openness, responsibility, and constant communication, the district’s plan calls for the revision of background checks, continual monitoring, expedited hiring procedures, and on-site services.
According to the press release, Superintendent Thomas Taylor addressed commonly asked concerns and provided a significant community message earlier this week regarding our efforts to improve background checks for all adults who interact with or are around students in Montgomery County Public Schools. Making sure every student is safe is still our first responsibility.
Working closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, we are greatly stepping up our efforts with the action plan we shared with you and more. All employees, contractors, and volunteers will be properly approved to work with pupils thanks to these extra efforts, which will also prioritize screenings for new hires and enhance the way background checks are carried out.
We will share further information about the specifics of this effort in the days ahead. Important components of the endeavor consist of:
- A system-wide effort to reverify background checks and enroll staff in a continuous monitoring system.
- On-site services at schools and central locations to make the process faster and more convenient.
- A clear focus on clearing new employees quickly to support the start of the school year.
- Continued assurance that no adult will be allowed unsupervised access to students without all required background and child protective services clearances.
- A commitment to keep current employees in their roles while completing this process. All staff currently working have had criminal background checks.
You and our employees will shortly receive more updates.
