Board debates paying for volunteer background checks; motion withdrawn for more information

Board member Miss Ryan introduced a motion on Oct. 14 asking Dayton Public Schools to pay for criminal-background checks (BCI/FBI) for volunteers who work with students. She said the cost per check had previously been about $47.25 and that covering the fee would remove a barrier for families and community volunteers.

Board members questioned how the program would be implemented, including whether checks would be reimbursed after a volunteer had demonstrated regular participation, whether principal budgets could be used, and how the district would avoid paying for checks for people who obtain them and then do not volunteer. Safety and equity arguments were raised for covering costs upfront; fiscal prudence and administrative safeguards were raised by members who asked for more details.

Several board members asked staff for data from the year the district previously paid for background checks, including total cost and volunteer participation statistics. Staff and board members also discussed whether other community organizations (for example, the Empowerment Neighborhood Center or collaborative partners) could absorb checks for volunteers.

After discussion the maker of the motion withdrew it and asked staff to return next week with options and data, including a cost estimate for reimbursing volunteers who have already paid this school year, potential funding sources, and implementation guardrails.

No formal board action to pay the fees was taken at the Oct. 14 meeting; the motion was set aside so staff could present costed options.