FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is Level 2 screening?
Level 2 means that the person is fingerprinted, followed by a statewide criminal and juvenile justice records check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Level 2 screening may also include local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies.
The person “must meet Level 2 screening requirements as described in s. 1012.467 [Florida Statutes].” That section states that “persons subject to this subsection found through fingerprint processing to have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude shall not be employed, engaged to provide services, or serve in any position requiring direct contact with students.”
What is “Conviction” of a crime?
For purposes of complying with this law, conviction means that the person has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to the crime.  The Board also treats things like pre-trial intervention as a finding of guilt.  Persons who have a pending (open) criminal case will not be allowed to work with the SCSB until their case is adjudicated.
What is a disqualifying crime?
 
For a list of disqualifying crimes, call the Sarasota County School Police Department at 941-927-9000, x31132.
 
In plain language what does this mean to vendors or those with contracts with the school board?
 
If you are a vendor or contractor (e.g. someone who fills vending machines, repairs equipment, provides a service, etc.) and you come on any Sarasota County School campus during times when students are present or have access to our children or funds, you MUST receive a Level 2 screening by the Sarasota County School Board to ensure that you can be on campus. If a person does not meet Level 2 screening standards, he or she will not be permitted to conduct business on school board property as a vendor or contractor.
 

PROCEDURAL AND OTHER IMPACT QUESTIONS
When can vendors and contractors be Level 2 screened?
Fingerprinting services are available now!  To schedule an appointment for one employee or your entire group, call one of the following:
Ron King 927-9000, x31132  
     
Where do vendors and contractors go to be screened?
Fingerprinting is conducted at:
            The Landings Complex at 1950 Landings Blvd.
 
What is the cost?
Each individual screening will cost $54.92.  This includes the processing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the cost of your identification badge.  To renew, replace or obtain a new badge, the cost will be $20.00.
How do vendors, contractors, or individuals pay?
You can pay by money order or cashier's check made payable to School Board of Sarasota County .  You must have a picture identification with you at the time of fingerprinting.
How long will it take to be Level 2 screened?
At least fifteen minutes and perhaps longer depending on the volume of those needing to be screened.
What are the hours for the screening office?
At this time, screening is by appointment. 
Once individuals have been fingerprinted, and photographed, how do vendors or contractors prove that they have been screened?
Those who have passed the screening will be provided an ID card.

Once issued a Level 2 photo identification card, the individuals are REQUIRED to have it in their possession when they come on a Sarasota County School Campus, and provide it when checking in at the office or requested by a SCSB employee.
If an individual fails the screening, does the employer learn why?
No, the specific reason will not be disclosed.
If a local law enforcement agency is willing to train our company how to screen our own employees, will that be acceptable if we provide proof?
No. The statute requires a Level 2 screening, not a local check. A Level 2 screening involves a check of FBI and FDLE files. Your company would not be able to secure access to these files. Therefore all screening must be completed by Sarasota County Schools who will issue an ID for our facilities.
Do all vendors and contractors have to be screened by every district with which they do business? Will the Sarasota County Schools accept screening from another District?
There is a process that allows inter-district reciprocity.