Jay to require background checks

Beginning this month, any new Jay Schools employees working with kids will undergo a criminal background check before hiring.

The new policy, passed through its second reading Monday night, brings the school corporation into compliance with recent changes in state law.

Jay Schools is contracting with Safe Hiring Solutions Group, Indianapolis, to do the background checks at a cost of $28 each. That cost will be paid by the job applicant.

The new policy only affects those who have been recommended for hiring.

Board members learned all 54 buses recently passed inspections by the Indiana State Police, prompting board compliments on the buses' appearance.

"They (bus drivers) take pride in what they do," said transportation director Teresa Myers.

Business manager Brad DeRome said a budget workshop had been set for Aug. 12 and reminded the board a budget hearing is set for Aug. 24.

"At that point we'll at least have something in hand from the state of Indiana about our expected revenue," DeRome said.

In other business, the board:

•Hired Joe May as a custodian.

•Accepted the resignations of Brandon Reed as an instructional assistant at East Jay Middle School, Lee Bales as drama teacher at Jay County High School, and Tim Hower as a vocational teacher at JCHS.

•Terminated John Hawn as a custodian at East Elementary School.

•Approved extra-curricular assignments for James Myers as athletic director at West Jay Middle School, Paul Scott as seventh grade assistant football coach at West Jay, Linda Brackma as cheer coach at West Jay, Andrea Hines as seventh grade volleyball coach at West Jay, Violet Current as eighth grade volleyball coach at West Jay, Greg Garringer as cross country coach at West Jay, and Susan Garringer as volunteer assistant tennis coach at JCHS.[[In-content Ad]]