Fingerprinting The Answer?

In an effort to make schools safer, beginning Jan 1 districts around the state will require fingerprinting for all employees who have student interaction.

Currently teachers have already been undergoing this process as part of the employment requirement, however this new push means all employees who have student interaction must be fingerprinted, including teacher aides and cafeteria workers.

“Senate Bill 9 authorizes and requires greatly expanded criminal history information reviews for most classes of educators and school employees, including national criminal history background checks based on the submission of fingerprints, for all certified and currently employed educators, as well as all substitute teachers, whether or not certified ... hired after Jan. 1, 2008,” according to the Web site.

I think its time we do whatever it takes to keep our schools and our kids safe however, I'm just not sure fingerprinting everyone is really the answer.

Doesn't the application process with background check already cover employment and criminal background checks?

Why do we need fingerprinting?

Another thing, how will school districts fund this, as the state did not address the financial burdens nor supply monies toward this. The $60 fingerprinting cost seems like a lot for employees earning minimum wage.

What do you think?

Is fingerprinting non teachers and support personnel who work within the schools a good idea or is Big Brother working overtime?