Fingerprint FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions about fingerprints. If you have additional questions that are not answered below, please contact Human Resources or call 253-800-2000.

Who must be fingerprinted?

Any new employee, those who have had a break in service with Bethel.

Why do we require fingerprint record checks?

Fingerprint-based background checks help to safeguard our children and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of education.  Fingerprint record checks are just one part of the rigorous process by which we select teaching, administrative, support and technical staff.

Who do we fingerprint?

Any individual who will have regular, unsupervised access to children. Anyone seeking certified or classified employment in Bethel School District (BSD). Anyone working as a contractual employee for another agency contracted with BSD where the individual will have unsupervised access to children.

What does a fingerprint record check cost? Do I pay? And, how do I pay?

The fingerprint background check is $50.00 plus a processing fee. More information is available here.

Why does it take so long?

The WSP and FBI process ALL fingerprints, including cards submitted by law enforcement agencies for criminal investigations. Neither BSD nor The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) have any control over the length of time it takes to process fingerprints, as the Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation are separate agencies.

Can I provide fingerprint record check results I had done for another government agency, the military, or for a gun permit, (or other) as a substitute for BSD’s fingerprint check?

No. Washington State law does not allow substitute versions of any fingerprint record checks. The law is detailed here, WAC 392.300 and RCW 28A.400.

Who receives my fingerprint results?

WSP/FBI send the results of fingerprint record checks to OSPI. The results reside in a secure database that designated staff from public schools, colleges, and universities, Washington’s school for the deaf and school for the blind, as well as certification programs, can access online. We send the results of fingerprint record checks to private schools by letter.

What happens if my fingerprint record check results show a Record of Arrest/Prosecution (RAP)?

OSPI will send you a copy of the record they receive from the WSP/FBI.  We receive a letter – that contains only information about any convictions on the RAP. We do not share RAP information.  We may share fingerprint record check results with contracted employers.

Can the FBI reject my fingerprints because of poor print quality?

Yes. If the FBI notifies us they cannot accept your first fingerprint record, you must submit a new set of fingerprints.  If the FBI rejects your fingerprint record multiple times we will ask them for a Name and Date of Birth Clearance.