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PUE-- dt -------- 2 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2001 All but trustees are screened Durham board already conducts criminal checks By Rik Davie Weekend Star An announcement that all teachers will require criminal background checks won't change the way the Durham District School Board does busi- ness... with one exception. The Durham board has required criminal back- ground checks for all employees, regardless of their duties, since 1993, according to Brian Reid, manager for employee relations. "We have required it for some time, and | am unaware of any board in the province which does not require criminal back- ground checks for its staff," Mr. Reid said. But the government's announcement may mean employees hired before 1993 may have to get the checks done. What is unclear at this point is what it is that boards may be looking for on criminal background checks. Aside from the obvious child abuse and pedophilia convictions, Mr. Reid said that each potential employee with a criminal record is dealt with on an individual basis. "We would look at what the conviction was for, how long ago it occurred, what the disposition of the charge was and what, if any, rehabilitative pro- grams were completed," Mr. Reid said. "One purpose of the checks has always been deterrent," he said. "Just knowing that the checks 4 DAYS ONLY! Thursday March 15 - Sunday March 18 THE REGULAR PRICE ALL SPRING FASHION FABRIC, ALL DRAPERY, BASICS & NOTIONS *EXCLUDES ONLY ENDS, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS AND BOOKS SPECIAL SELECTION ALMSG. AND CREATIONS (TABRICLAND)) 1801 Dundas St. E., SPECIAL SELECTION WHITE BROADCLOTH REGULAR $3.49m now $1.99m NO LIMIT AR LN EA Afi rN FAR LOTS OF FREE PARKING 600 Grandview St. S., Oshawa (905)436-7589 (Kendalwood Plaza) Whitby (905)721-9152 OUR ENTIRE STOCK. Now $1.99, " " A i LIMIT OF 10 PATTERNS PER CUSTOMER * IN STOCK PATTERNS G NLY 0 STORE HOURS: ("Tela PE SI d PRS I Co Re. Sat. 9to 6 SITAR VR RS) FINE JEWELLERY DESIGN REPAIR Fran PARE ENTS 90 5 ar na hw v3 ps Ne AAR TRNT " cL Rs PEPSI {SDC JF IE "WY N Cc wy Gir Ee AOA fr Sor ATS PLOT D85-2953 are in place makes it unlikely that persons with questionable backgrounds will even apply." . Martin Demmers, trustee for Scugog, said that there should be some criteria for the way in which information from criminal background checks would used. "There should be some guidelines as to what would be a dismissable action," Mr. Demmers said. He also said that he would be willing to consid- er criminal background checks for the only group not covered: trustees. "I have to have one done for my involvement in the swim team, so | obviously have no prob- Now " ( E.W. TACK SERVICE 2130 Shirley Rd. Port Perry [O00 O()5-O85- Monday 12-6 Tuesday Closed Wednesday 12-6 Thursday 12-8 Friday 12-6 Saturday 9-4 Sunday by appt. Bridlegroods - saddles - grooming products - Clothing - giftware FOR RIDERS & HORSE LOVERS KUN equestrun-connection com entacksenice lem with them," he said. "I don't know that they really ought to be necessary for trustees, but | would cer- tainly be willing to look at it." Mr. Demmers said that there should be criteria for what is unacceptable for employees to have on their records. "Obviously pedophilia is at the forefront, but we should have something by which a standard could be maintained," he said. Wildlife seminar iS coming up on March 20 at UCA Have you ever won- dered how to attract birds, reptiles, mam- mals and certain kinds of insects to an area? Uxbridge Conservation Association (UCA) member Eve-Lynn Swan will briefly offer some tips and informa- tion sources on this subject at a seminar to be held on the first day of spring, Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. But the highlight of the evening will be a presentation by local wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator Lori Welsh. She will provide advice on how to pre- vent conflict with the animal life that you may attract to your yard - whether you mean to or not. The seminar will take place in the meet- ing room downstairs at the Uxbridge Public Library. Admission is free. Children are wel- come to attend and refreshments will be served. This event is designed to help resi- dents learn more about the local environment and conservation mea- sures. RAAT -MEARGE I. MADNESS. A NN I SW AL A A ~ (in- stock chains on) sale ends March 31st Ca J SHARE Se Lah ME PAL 0 nn, TTR a CT AON lS hay re vos