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State Laws and Compliance Requirements for Hiring in Texas Schools

To protect students and ensure safe learning environments, Texas schools must follow specific laws and rules when hiring employees and contractors.  These requirements help ensure that only qualified, trustworthy individuals work in or around schools. 

Annual Compliance Certification

Every year, school districts and charter schools must confirm they are following all background check laws. This annual certification helps ensure that students are supported by safe, qualified adults.

Who submits the certification?

• Superintendents of public school districts
• Chief operating officers of open-enrollment charter schools

What must be confirmed?

• All required background checks, including fingerprinting, have been completed
• Contractors who work around students have been properly screened
• No one with certain serious criminal convictions is employed or allowed on campus

How does the compliance process work?

• �������� sends an annual reminder through its “To the Administrator Addressed”&�Բ�����;�Դdzپ�����
• School leaders must sign and submit a form confirming compliance
• School staff can stay informed by subscribing to

Note:  Some schools may have completed background checks but failed to submit the required certification form.  Every year, �������� tracks and follows up on these cases to ensure full compliance. 

• 2025-26 Certification of Compliance (PDF 134 KB)
• 2024-25 Certification of Compliance (PDF 55.9 KB)
• 2023-24 Certification of Compliance (PDF 40.4 KB)
• 2022-23 Certification of Compliance (PDF 40 KB)
• 2021-22 Certification of Compliance (PDF 41 KB)
• 2020-21 Certification of Compliance (PDF 40.2 KB)

Applicable Laws and Rules 

•  – Governs criminal history reviews and fingerprinting for school employees
•  – Prohibits the employment of individuals with certain serious criminal convictions in public schools
• – Requires schools to check the Do Not Hire Registry and prohibits hiring individuals listed
• – Outlines certification and fingerprinting requirements for educators
• – Details eligibility and application procedures for educator certification
• – Covers name-based background checks and the Do Not Hire Registry

Our Parent Complaint Navigator will ask you a short series of multiple-choice questions and, based on your responses, provide you with the information and resources you need to address your specific question or concern.