Michigan Has Almost 500 felons working in schools

The Detriot News reports:

Nearly 500 felons and sex offenders were working in Michigan schools as of Jan. 1, according to a state report released Friday.

A statewide criminal background check of some 200,000 school employees revealed that 66 teachers and 399 other school employees are felons. Eleven more had sex-related convictions.

Under new laws to protect children, those 11 employees -- three of whom are teachers -- will be fired immediately. The other felons can keep their jobs only if the school board and superintendent approve it in writing.

"It sounds like a big number to me," said Brian Pannebecker, who has two boys, 14 and 11, in Utica Community Schools. It's not yet clear if any of those with convicts work in Utica schools.

"I am alarmed by it. And the fact that there are 11 sex offenders really makes me wonder how good of a background check the school district does before hiring someone to work with kids."

Great moments in education.