IN a bid to protect school children from criminal elements, the Public School System now requires all its employees to submit police clearances and undergo physical examinations upon the renewal of their employment contracts.
Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos said the new rule applies to teachers, maintenance helpers and all other employees of PSS whether they are assigned in various schools or at the agency’s office on Capitol Hill.
Inos said these documents are usually produced by new employees when they sign their original employment contracts.
However, she said, the same documents are also needed upon the renewal of their contracts to ensure the maximum protection of the school children and PSS staff.
“All employees when they sign their original contracts are required to submit this documentation to demonstrate that they are free from health conditions or criminal convictions that indicate a risk of harm to the health or safety of PSS staff and students,” Inos said.
“During the two-year term, it is possible that an individual’s criminal record and health will change. PSS believes that requiring employees to submit proof of physical examinations and criminal clearances at the beginning of each contract term will help students and staff remain safe and healthy,” she added.
According to the commissioner, the documents must be submitted to the PSS Human Resources Office before the beginning of each contract term and before commencing work under their new contracts.
