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For Immediate
Release
7/6/11
Safety Initiatives Sponsored by Piccola
Included in Final School Code
New Changes on the Way for Pennsylvania's Students &
Schools
HARRISBURG – Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Education
Committee, underscored today the significant and positive changes coming for the
Commonwealth's students and schools, based upon the recent enactment of
amendments to Pennsylvania's School Code.
Prior to the Legislature's summer recess and in conjunction with
the adoption of the state budget, omnibus amendments were approved to the School
Code including a number of provisions, two of which Piccola sponsored. Among
the new provisions is a lifetime employment ban in schools for those who have
been convicted of serious violent offenses. An individual convicted of any
other felony crime will now also be prohibited from working in a school setting
for at least ten years.
In addition to establishing new and improved background checks
for school employees and lifetime employment bans for those convicted of certain
offenses, safeguards have been put into place to protect the identity and
privacy of college students, their families, and the higher education
community. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will only be
permitted to collect information identifying individual college students when
specifically required by law. PDE will be required to describe in detail its
legal authority to collect the information and allow students to opt-out from
the system.
"Although I was disappointed in the lack of movement and
consensus regarding our school choice agenda, I am delighted these important
provisions were adopted to quickly become law. No one can argue or debate the
safety and well-being of our children in this Commonwealth -- ensuring they have
every opportunity to learn and be educated in a safe environment and that their
identity and privacy are fully protected," said Piccola.
Contact:
Colleen Greer
(717) 787-6801
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