Senate Bill 526, effective July 1, 1994, calls for fingerprinting and
criminal record background checks of certified educators employed for the first time by a
local school system prior to the issuing of a contract. School districts may employ these
individuals under a temporary contract for a maximum of 200 days to allow for the results
of the background check. The background check is run through the Georgia Crime Information
Center (GCIC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Local school systems may
refer an individual whose background check indicates a previous arrest or adjudication
record for investigation. Please note: some local systems may exercise the right to
conduct criminal record background checks on all employees; however, fingerprinting and
background checks are conditions of employment and not certification.
At this time, fingerprinting and criminal background checks are required
for employment and not for certification.
