Health & Safety

Have you ever wondered what you should be doing for safety in your school's science labs? Well, the CA Department of Education has the book just for you: Science Safety Handbook for California Public Schools 2012 Edition. 277 pages of riveting reading

FLSA Questions In Wake Of Hurricane Isaac
By John E. Thompson, Fisher & Phillips LLP August 29, 2012 

Recurring wage-hour issues tend to arise during the recovery from a natural disaster.  We posted the following item last year in connection with Hurricane Irene, and the points are equally relevant this time around: 

Sample Procedures for Criminal Background Review

Schools that review applicants' criminal background records must establish procedures that permit a systematic and thoughtful review of the information received.  In addition, the procedures must protect the confidentiality of the applicant and ensure that the agency does not become a repository of criminal records.  Praesidium, Inc. recommends the procedures outlined below. 

School Safety vs. School Culture
Interview with Craig Slayton - Director of Security at Fort Worth Country Day School

Craig Slayton has served as Director of Security at Fort Worth Country Day School for 12 years. Prior to his appointment at FWCDS, Mr. Slayton was an officer in the Fort Worth Police department for 25 years, serving as school liaison officer and with the police gang unit. 

SOS: When you first arrived at Country Day School, was there a learning curve for you?

CS: Absolutely. Although my job was similar – keeping the school community safe – the environment was very different. I had to learn how to apply effective safety measures within the culture of a private school. For example, there isn’t much gang activity on campus, but we do have parents who are very influential in our community. So our security staff must display diplomacy as well as protect the school community.

What to do with Prospective Employee Arrest Records?

Dear SOS,

In a recent background screening report of a prospective teacher, we received an arrest record from the background screening company. Usually, we only receive information about convictions. We don’t know what to do with the arrest information. How did we get this information in the first place, and should we consider information from the arrest record in evaluating the candidate?

Excruciatingly Difficult Conversation 

Dear SOS:

I have a problem with a staff member who has a problem with terrible body odor. Needless to say, this is very uncomfortable for everyone. What should we do?

Odor in Florida