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Employee Background Screening On Track

Posted On January 01, 0001
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Following the summer report from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General, MCPS has been taking decisive action to strengthen employee and volunteer background screening and ensure safe, welcoming schools. Earlier today (Sept. 25), the Board of Education heard the latest on this work, and tomorrow (Sept. 26), MCPS will update the County Council’s Audit Committee.  

Highlights included:

  • Re-Fingerprinting & Continuous Monitoring: All employees hired before 2019 are being re-fingerprinted to enroll in the federal RapBack program, which provides ongoing criminal history alerts.
  • Clearing the CPS Backlog: With state and county partners, MCPS has cleared more than 60% of outstanding Child Protective Services (CPS) record reviews and is on track to finish by Nov. 30, 2025.
  • Cluster-by-Cluster Re-Screening: School-based employee screening is underway and will be complete before winter break; central services staff will follow in early 2026.
  • Volunteer and Contractor Improvements: Updated training, clearer requirements and designated school liaisons ensure consistent screening for all adults who work with students.
  • Formalizing Policy: MCPS is developing comprehensive regulations to codify requirements for employees, volunteers and contractors—strengthening accountability and transparency.

See the presentation slide deck from today’s Board meeting.

It’s also important to know that MCPS welcome volunteers. Whether it’s chaperoning a trip, coaching or lending a hand in the classroom, volunteers make a real difference for students. But, in keeping children safe, MCPS requires all volunteers to complete required training—and some volunteers must also complete a fingerprinted background check. Learn more.