Bill requiring fewer background checks for teachers passes state Senate

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Senate Bill 29 would make it a little bit easier for teachers to transfer schools.

Teachers who move school districts currently have to pay for another background check to make the move. The new bill would do away with that requirement.

"For example, if a teacher is teaching in Union Public Schools, and they say they want to work in the Tulsa Public Schools, then they shouldn't have to pay for another background check," said Shawna Mott-Wright with the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. "Obviously, Union did the background check and they came out fine."

Mott-Wright says there is another layer of vetting that would occur: the next school's administration will interview the teacher to ensure a good fit. That's something some parents agree with.

"I think that the administrators or your school principal should be looking into that," said Stanley Elmore. "As far as the teachers are concerned, they should just be able to go wherever they want without scrutiny, just like a nurse or a bus driver. It's silly."

But some parents say since teachers interface directly with their kids, more checks are worth the cost.

"I think it should be like when they move they should get it rechecked, just to make sure they are not hiding anything or that nothing has changed," said Elizabeth Renton.

The bill also calls for a maximum cost assigned to background checks of $50. Schools will be able to refund that money.

"We want background checks, obviously, but there is no point in doing the same thing repeatedly," Mott-Wright said. "Like I said, if something comes up, it will most likely show up on the news if it's something of that nature."