Starting Jan. 1, almost everyone hired by the Big Spring Independent School District will have to submit to state-mandated fingerprinting.

The program, designed to enhance security on school campuses and help districts avoid hiring persons with criminal records, covers almost every new hire the school district will make in the coming year.

Persons covered under the new law include:

• All certified educators not currently fingerprinted.

• All non-certified school employees (maintenance and support staff).

• All substitute teachers.

• Contract employees who have direct contact with students.

• Student teachers and volunteers, with certain exceptions.

Carie Dunnam, BSISD assistant superintendent, said a criminal history record will be required of any non-certified employees hired after Jan. 1.

“This will necessitate the applicant to submit fingerprint identification information ... before beginning employment,” Dunnam stated in a letter to school trustees.

While school officials applaud efforts to enhance security at schools, they do have a particular objection to this new mandate — cost.

Dunnam said the fingerprinting will cost approximately $52 per employee, with the state picking up the tab for certified personnel. Other new hires, however, will be expected to pick up the tab themselves.

Superintendent Michael Downes said this could prove to be a burden, especially for those hired to low-paying part-time positions.

“We have a hard enough time filling these positions,” Downes said. “And if you add this $52 cost up front, those positions will be even less appealing.”

Another roadblock, Downes added, is that the fee must be paid by credit card.

Two possible solutions were discussed during this month’s school board meeting.

Dunnam suggested that the district pay the $52 fee for all non-certified employees, while trustee Mike Dawson suggested that the district re-imburse the employee once his or her criminal history check comes back clear.

The matter will be discussed further in coming months, officials said.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it