Board approves revised volunteer policy requiring background checks for chaperones and other volunteer roles

The Osseo Area Schools Board on Sept. 23 adopted second readings of multiple policies; among them, policy 9‑24 (School Volunteers) was revised to more explicitly require criminal background checks for volunteer chaperones who will be with any student and to update related procedures.

Amy Moore, general counsel, described the changes to policy 9‑24 and associated procedures: the policy text now explicitly includes background checks in the district’s risk management plan for screening volunteers, and the procedure states a criminal history background check will be initiated when a prospective volunteer answers yes to background disclosure questions or when the volunteer assignment involves working with students. Moore said the board omitted discretionary language that previously allowed a school to permit a volunteer without a background check in certain circumstances.

The nut graf: trustees approved the policy language to make screening practices consistent and to reflect state law changes, and the revised procedure tightens when a criminal background check will be required.

The board approved the second reading of policy 9‑24 along with other 800–900 series policies on a unanimous vote. Moore said the 200 series will return at a later meeting for full board consideration.

Ending: staff said the updated language will be incorporated into procedures and volunteer communications; the policy committee will continue to review related procedures and return any further refinements to the board.