March 20, 2007

REP. GENGA HAILS BILL THAT WILL IMPROVE
BOARD OF EDUCATION HIRING POLICY

State Representative, Henry Genga, Vice Chairman of the Education Committee announced that his committee has passed a bill to help the East Hartford Board of Education and all boards of education in evaluating personnel files when hiring education staff.

The legislation, SB 1060 requires local or regional boards of education to review and evaluate personnel files when hiring anyone who is required to have a certificate, permit, or other credential issued by the State Board of Education.

In addition, the bill requires each applicant to authorize the local or regional board of education to review the applicant's personnel files maintained by any other school district in any state where the applicant may have worked. The bill authorizes any local or regional board of education to disclose the personnel file of a former employee pursuant such authorization.

“This bill comes as a response to the circumstances in the recent hiring and resignation of the principal at East Hartford High School. It ensures that all pertinent information is available by law in evaluating personnel before hiring of school staff who will have direct contact with children,” Rep. Genga said. “This law would have prevented the recent controversy where information from the personnel file of the principal was disclosed but only after he was hired.”

The bill will now moves to the State Senate, and the State House of Representatives for consideration.

Rep. Henry Genga is serving his second term in the General Assembly representing East Hartford’s 10th Assembly District. He is Vice Chair of the Education Committee and member of the Appropriations and Energy and Technology Committee.