How long will it take to be Level 2 screened?
- At least fifteen minutes and perhaps longer depending on the volume of those needing to be screened.
Once individuals have been fingerprinted, and photographed, how do vendors or contractors prove that they have been screened?
- Those who have passed the screening will be required to pick up the ID card from Personnel. If they do not pass, they will receive a letter and instructions on how to remedy what one may feel is wrong information. We cannot make any changes to the record. The original court of jurisdiction must make changes.
- Employers will be notified if an employee fails the screening.
- Once issued a Level 2 photo identification card, the individuals are REQUIRED to have it in their possession when they come on a Marion County School Campus, and provide it when checking in at the office or requested by a MCPS employee.
Is an individual who has been found guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude five years ago in another state eligible to pass the Level 2 screening?
- Florida law doesn't care how long ago the individual was found guilty, or that it was in another state. If the crime is a disqualifier, the employee would not be allowed to conduct business on a Marion County School Board site.
If an individual fails the screening, does the employer learn why?
- Employers will receive a letter indicating that an employee is not approved. The specific reason will not be disclosed.
If a local law enforcement agency is willing to train our company how to screen our own employees, will that be acceptable if we provide proof?
- No. The statute requires a Level 2 screening and NOT a local check. A Level 2 screening involves a check of FBI and FDLE files. Your company would not be able to secure access to these files. Therefore all screening must be completed by Marion County Schools who will issue an ID for our facilities.
Do all vendors and contractors have to be screened by every district with which they do business? Will the Marion County Schools accept screening from another District?
- Per Florida Department of Education, dated July 1, 2007
(f) A non instructional contractor who is subject to a criminal history check under this section shall inform a school district that he or she has completed a criminal history check in another school district within the last 5 years. The school district shall verify the results of the contractors’ criminal history check using the shared database system.
Do PTA representatives need to be screened when visiting schools? No.
Are charter schools impacted?
- Yes, charter schools are public schools with public school students and its vendors must fully comply with the law.
Do tour bus operators that take students on tours need to be screened if they require chaperones for the students at all times?
- The statute does not make any provisions for chaperones or persons who are accompanied by a Marion County School Board employee. Any persons doing business with Marion County Schools who come on a campus when children are present MUST have passed a Level 2 Screening. Therefore, tour bus operators MUST be screened to be on our campus.
How about field trip locations?
- Personnel and volunteers at field trip locations such as museums, that are not school board sites, do not need to be screened.
What about the YMCA and other child care providers?
- Individuals working with these programs would need to be screened, but may have already been cleared appropriately.
What about vendors for school dances and assemblies on our school sites?
Can an individual provide proof of Level 2 screening if they have previously been screened at that level?
- The Florida Legislature did not provide for this in the statute, so at this time all must be screened now by Marion County Schools.
What about construction contractors, subcontractors and day laborers working on school sites?
- All construction workers on school board sites where students are present must be screened, even if the site is fenced.
How will pre-bid conferences be handled when the conference is at a school site and it is unknown in advance which vendors might show up for the conference?
- Those attending a pre-bid conference that are not yet under contract with the school board do not need to be Level 2 screened.
What about delivery personnel such as United States mail carriers, UPS workers, FED EX employees or Freight Companies making school site deliveries?
- These individuals do not need to be screened unless they are under contract with the school board.
What about routine school deliveries such as food service products vending machine items and school supplies?
- These delivery personnel must be screened if they on the school grounds when students are present.