BOE: Members Raise Questions Over Fingerprinting Bill

While many board members agree in principle with a proposed state bill that would require statewide BOE fingerprinting and background checks, some officials voiced concern during last night's BOE meeting as to whether or not they may be required to pay around $70-$80 out of their own pockets for the procedure.

Board Member Camille Widdow questioned the fairness of the bill, as BOE members are all non-salaried volunteers who might be asked to invest their own money into the job-related requirement. Superintendent Gayle Carrick also commented on the legislation.

"While I can understand the rationale behind (the bill), I think there needs to be more additional thought to the cost of the process," Carrick said.

The legislation, bill A444, is sponsored by state Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, and 12 other legislators. Having passed the state Assembly, it is currently pending review by the New Jersey Senate Education Committee. 

Munoz said she sponsored the bill, as background checking is "pretty standard in most jobs." Additionally, BOE members "directly work with our children and have access to information about our children. It's one step we can take to protect our children."

She added that she doesn't know if members will have to pay for it or not, as each district will most likely be setting their own payment strategy.