National News
Pelham school board evaluates policy requiring background checks for parents
September 27, 2016 posted by Steve Brownstein
The Pelham School Board is evaluating its policy requiring background checks for parents participating in school day activities.
The new policy says parents and other volunteers are required to get the check to accompany filed trips, tutor, serve or participate in school day activities. Background checks cost $15 per person. There is an exception for widely attended events.
Pelham School Board President Rick Rhodes tells ABC 33/40 it's all about protecting the children. He said there has been a background check policy for years for parents who want to participate in activities like field trips.
This year, the policy was extended to include activities like lunch in the cafeteria.
“As you look at what's happening around the country and around the world, you have to take a hard look at things and to make sure you have a real good idea of the types of people coming into your school,” said Rhodes.
Jennifer Lambert is a mother of four. She understands the intent of the new policy.
“I understand they want to be as safe as possible,” said Lambert. “As a parent, I appreciate that.”
Lambert wants her children to be safe at school, but thinks the background check policy for parents needs some tweaking.
“I like the policy for field trips and everything,” said Lambert. “Lunch may be a little bit overkill. I feel like it leaves out a lot of parents that can't afford the $15 per person.”
Rhodes says safety is the number one priority.
“We don't want to deny anyone access to their children and we understand all of us make mistakes in life,” said Rhodes. “If you make a mistake in your life and it happens to be part of your record, that is not necessarily a disqualifier by any means.”
As for what exactly in a background check would disqualify a parent, Rhodes expects the superintendent to address that in his report Monday night.
The board is also looking for ways to wave costs for parents who can't afford the background check.
Rhodes says if the policy needs amendments, the board will be open to them.