[StBernard] Back To School

[Westley Annis]

Team, 

It’s hard to believe but many Louisiana schools are beginning their new school years this week. And as we start another school year, Wendy and I understand that the safety of our children is always a priority for Louisianians.

That’s why, as a father of four, I’ve worked in the U.S. Senate to strengthen school safety screenings to prevent child predators and dangerous individuals from working in our children’s schools.

I’m the author of a bill, the Safety for our School Children Act, that will help school officials effectively identify child predators or dangerous felons during the employee application process – requiring all public school employees to go through an FBI background check prior to being hired.

It would also prevent applicants with a violent crime conviction from being hired by a public school or a school district that receives federal funding. In addition, individuals with DUI convictions would be prevented from being employed as bus drivers or any transportation of children.

Wendy and I certainly worry about the dangers that our children are susceptible to. As parents, we all place a lot of trust in our educators and the employees connected to our school systems. The vast majority of our educators and school employees are great hardworking Louisianians, but these safety measures would make sure we catch the bad actors that seek to prey on our children at their schools.

Back to school season is an exciting time, with new activities, sports and events - but safety should always be in the front of our minds. 

David