Smithfield, N.C. — The Johnston County Board of Education voted Tuesday to allow the school system to subject employees to ongoing criminal background checks, according to school system spokeswoman Tracey Peedin Jones.

Jones said the school district runs a criminal background check before an employee is hired but that the new policy will allow them to check criminal records whenever they choose to do so.

She said the decision was not tied any specific incident.

Also on Tuesday, the board approved a policy that would prohibit non-students from distributing or displaying non-school material, including religious materials, on school grounds. Board members say the decision brings the school system in line with Supreme Court rulings.

Superintendent Ed Croom said the move is a matter of student safety.