Background Checks

The information on this page is a brief summary. For additional guidance, please review Policy 404: Criminal Background Checks.

Stillwater Area Public Schools conducts criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also seeks criminal history background checks for all volunteers and individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include, but are not limited to: All athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees.

Background checks are FREE for volunteers. Employees are charged $15.

The background check process can take up to two weeks to complete, so registering early is important to be ready for volunteer opportunities and avoid delays in hiring. Background checks are simple to complete.

School board policy requires that background checks for volunteers be renewed every four years. Contact a school secretary to check when a background check may expire. Volunteers are also asked to sign a release form.

There are two options to verify identity:

1. Social security number: Submit information for a social security background check online or by completing and submitting a paper application. It takes approximately one week to process a social security number.
   • Online: Complete an online form to request a secure link. The person-specific link is e-mailed through a secure website to submit a social security number and other information necessary to complete the background check. Employees can also pay the $15 fee for a background check online.
   • Paper application: Please visit the Central Services Building or a school office to receive a copy of the application. 
2. Fingerprinting: Complete a background check by providing fingerprints instead of a social security number.
   • To setup an appointment to be fingerprinted, please contact the district receptionist at 651-351-8340. The $15 payment for employees is collected at the appointment. It takes approximately one month to process fingerprints.

VOLUNTEERS: Once a background check has been completed, sign-up for volunteer opportunities as schedules allow. Visit a school office or classroom teacher to learn more about volunteer opportunities.