Background Checks: Pre-Employment Screening

Background and Reference Checks

All conditional offers of employment are subject to the successful and satisfactory completion of background and reference checks. These may include, but are not limited to:

• 1. Criminal history record check through the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)

  2. State and national sex offender registry search

  3. Motor vehicle record check (if applicable to job responsibilities)

  4. Reference checks with prior employers and professional contacts

  5. Verification of academic credentials, certifications, and licensure

Fingerprinting Requirements

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1, all individuals seeking employment in a New Jersey public school district are required to undergo a fingerprint-supported criminal background check through the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU). This requirement applies to, but is not limited to, full-time, part-time, substitute, and temporary employees.

Fingerprinting Process

• Prospective employees must register online with the CHRU, schedule an appointment with the designated fingerprinting vendor, and submit all required documentation.

• Fingerprinting must be completed prior to the first day of employment, and no employee may begin working until the District has received official clearance from the NJDOE.
  
  

Archive Process

Individuals who have previously completed fingerprinting for another New Jersey school district may be eligible to transfer their criminal history clearance through the Archive Process. Approval must be confirmed by the CHRU prior to the individual’s start date with the District.

Timelines and Compliance

Prospective employees are required to complete all components of the background screening process—including fingerprinting, submission of required forms, and receipt of reference responses—within ten (10) business days of receiving a conditional offer of employment. Failure to comply within this timeframe may result in the withdrawal of the employment offer. 

Disqualification Criteria

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 and N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-4.4, individuals will be permanently disqualified from public school employment if convicted of any crime listed in the statute, including but not limited to:

• Sexual offenses against a child

• Homicide, assault, or aggravated assault

• Drug distribution or trafficking

• Certain crimes involving theft, robbery, or burglary

• Endangering the welfare of a child

Any individual found to have falsified information on their employment application or background documents will be disqualified from employment consideration.

Legal Compliance and Employee Consent

The District conducts all pre-employment screening in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), New Jersey Department of Education guidelines, and applicable labor and employment laws. Candidates will be notified of their rights under the FCRA and provided the opportunity to contest any inaccurate or adverse information.

By accepting a conditional offer of employment, candidates consent to all background check procedures and agree to cooperate fully with the District and the NJDOE to ensure timely and accurate completion of the process.