KP Looks at Hiring Procedures

The King Philip School District has made progress in changing its hiring procedures, after a coaching job offer was made to an accused felon.

The matter was discussed at Monday's school committee meeting.

Superintendent Elizabeth Zielinski said background checks are being looked into.

"We're looking into a more thorough background check, instead of just the CORI check," she said.

School committee Chairman Patrick Francomano suggested looking at Lexisnexis.

"They provide background checks of coaches for little league," he said. "They're used to dealing with not-for-profits."

Zielinski said that method would be taken into advisement.

"We're also looking at credit bureau companies," she said. "There is the question, though, of what we, as a school district, can look at."

Zielinski said a number of other changes are being considered.

"There have been some general changes," she said. "When we hire a teacher, we're not just having them sit for an interview, but we have them come in and teach with a panel observing."

In January, that the district offered a job to a Rhode Island man accused of grand theft auto in Florida.