Welcome to the DPS Family!

Step 1: Completing Your New Hire Paperwork

DPS Human Resources will send you an email with information to complete your new hire paperwork online.

Step 2: Fingerprinting & Background Check

As part of our hiring process, a background screening is performed for all new employees, including contractors, using a third-party vendor. Each individual hired by the District signs a disclosure and authorization form to be fingerprinted. Public Act 93-909 amended Sections 10-21.9 and 34-18.5 of the Illinois School Code [105 ILCS5/10-21.9; 105 ILCS5/34-18.5] require school districts to perform a fingerprint-based criminal history records check (also referred to as a "background check") for certified and non-certified applicants for employment with a school district. All fingerprints are submitted through the following databases for the appropriate background checks:

• Fingerprint-based Illinois State Police check
• Fingerprint-based Federal Bureau of Investigation check
• Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry check
• Illinois Sex Offender Registry check
• National Sex Offender Registry check (not required by school code but is performed by DPS)

New hires must contact Bushue Background Services, Inc. at 217.342.3042 or toll-free at 877.342.3042 to schedule fingerprinting and background check. You cannot begin work until this process has been initiated.

Employee Physical Examination: As a condition of employment with Decatur Public Schools, all new hires must pass and submit a physical examination form from a doctor to certify that you are in good health. This form can be obtained from HR as well.

Step 3: Required Online Training

New hires are required to complete a series of online training sessions, which may include but not be limited to the following:

• Mandated reporter training through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services: Illinois law mandates that employees must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters employed at DPS include registered and licensed practical nurses in the schools; teachers; school personnel; educational advocates assigned to a child pursuant to the School Code; truant officers; child care workers; and social workers and assistants working under the direct supervision of a psychologist.
• Bloodborne pathogen training: Decatur Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our entire staff. In pursuit of this goal, all employees annually review the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (ECP) to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030. 

Decatur Public School District #61 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has an Affirmative Action Program.