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District says new law will make many volunteers mandated reporters; board asks staff to study covering $60 fingerprint fee
Summary
Board members approved policy updates reflecting state law that expands mandated‑reporter requirements for some volunteers. District staff said level 2/3 volunteers must pay a $60 fingerprinting fee; the board asked staff to return with options to subsidize or cover the cost.
The San Bernardino Union School District board on Thursday approved May policy updates from the California School Boards Association that, officials said, implement a state law now designating many school volunteers as mandated reporters and requiring expanded background screening.
Board members highlighted the potential cost to volunteers. Dr. Somer Prather Smith, the district’s director of engagement and school climate, said the district requires a multi-tiered volunteer screening system and that “it's $60 for if they're a level 2 or 3, it's a $60 per parent to do that process.” She added the district offers hardship sponsorships and has reimbursed some families in past years.
The district described three volunteer tiers in which level 1 (where a school staff member supervises the parent) uses the Raptor check at low cost, while level 2 and 3 require fingerprinting the district cannot transfer between districts. Dr. Prather Smith said the Raptor level 1 costs $6.13 and that the higher level’s $60 fee is charged to the parent unless the district pays it.
Sarah Turner, a board member who described herself as an educator, said she supported the policy changes but urged early, clear communication to parents so they understand the new requirements before arranging trips or volunteering. “It is in the best interest of students,” Turner said, while noting that the change could affect how easily parents can participate.
Superintendent Neil Patel and other members asked staff to analyze costs and bring back a formal recommendation or procedure for whether and how the district might subsidize fingerprint fees for volunteers. The board did not take a separate vote on a reimbursement policy; it approved the CSBA policy updates as presented and directed staff to return with options.
Next steps: district staff will develop a proposal on possible subsidization or reimbursement for the $60 fee and report back to the board for consideration.
