In 2011, changes were made to the Pennsylvania School Code. Act 24 of 2011 (Act 24) amending Section 111 of the School Code, which provides for background checks for employees of public and private schools, intermediate units and area vocational-technical schools. The changes to Section 111 became effective September 28, 2011.
Act 24 adds several new crimes to the list of offenses in Section 111(e), which disqualify individuals from school employment. Because of the expanded list of prohibited criminal offenses, Act 24 requires all current school employees to complete a form from Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to report prior arrests or convictions for any offense listed in newly expanded Section 111(e). PDE developed Form PDE-6004 for reporting purposes which can be downloaded (Click here for PDE-6004). Even if you do not have a record, you are required to submit a signed and completed Form PDE-6004 to the WASD Human Resource Department, attention Deborah Weise, no later than December 27, 2011. If an employee refuses to submit a properly completed Form PDE-6004 by that deadline, Act 24 requires that the employee must submit to a current background check under Section 111.
Additionally, Act 24 also requires that school employees report to the Wyomissing Area School District within 72 hours of any arrest or conviction for any criminal offense listed in Section 111(e) that occurs after September 28, 2011. Form PDE-6004 should be used to make reports of any arrests or convictions to Human Resources in the future.
The Wyomissing Area School District appreciates your cooperation in complying with Act 24 by your submission of a completed Form PDE-6004 by the deadline. If you have any questions regarding how to complete Form PDE-6004, please do not hesitate to contact Deborah Weise by phone 610.374.0739 x.1116. Additionally, you are encouraged to visit the PDE website regarding Section 111(e) Act 24:
https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/Purdons/Pages/BackgroundChecks.aspx