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2025–26 Do Not Hire Registry (DNHR) Certification
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENTCHARTER ADMINISTRATION
2/19/2026
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2025–26 Annual Do Not Hire Registry (DNHR) Certification and Statement of Compliance, and charter schools must act to remain in compliance.
What Is Required?
Under Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 22A, educational entities must:
Access and utilize the Do Not Hire Registry
Refuse to hire or accept services from individuals listed on the registry
Annually certify compliance with these requirements
Superintendents, chief operating officers, or directors are responsible for submitting the certification each year.
Deadline
Submit the signed and notarized 2025–26 DNHR Certification by April 10, 2026.
Submission is completed through TEA’s Annual DNHR Certification link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c589d01507fc7a1882744b2228e75
Who Must Certify?
The certification must be completed by the educational entity’s Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer, or Head Director
The signer is attesting that the organization has complied with TEC §22A.151 requirements.
Why This Matters
Failure to submit the DNHR certification may result in a public listing of non-compliant districts/charters, a TEA special investigation, and/or possible investigation of the superintendent or director for failure to complete the certification
These consequences are explicitly outlined by TEA.
Key Compliance Reminders
To support an accurate certification, charter schools should ensure they are:
Checking the DNHR during hiring and contracting
Prohibiting employment or services from listed individuals
Maintaining documentation of registry checks
Training HR and hiring managers on DNHR requirements
Including contractors/service providers in screening processes
Remember: TEC §22.092 requires schools to check the registry and prohibits hiring individuals who appear on it.
How This Connects to Your Hiring Process
The Do Not Hire Registry is a public database of individuals ineligible to work in Texas public schools due to misconduct or certain criminal history.
This requirement works alongside fingerprinting compliance, pre-employment affidavits, and misconduct reporting obligations.
Together, these safeguards help ensure safe school environments.
Recommended Next Steps for Charter Schools
Calendar the April 10 deadline
Verify DNHR checks are embedded in hiring workflows
Confirm contractor/service provider screening
Prepare certification for superintendent/CEO signature
Submit and retain proof of submission
If your charter school needs assistance reviewing DNHR processes or preparing the certification, inSchools can help ensure your procedures are audit-ready.
Have questions or need assistance?
Please contact inSchools.
Jordan Elliott jelliott@theinschools.com