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Public commenter urges background checks for PTO volunteers, raises concerns about school resource officers
Summary
During public comment, resident Keith Massimino urged background checks and oversight for PTO volunteers after a reported embezzlement; he also raised concerns that one school resource officer with prior issues remains assigned to district schools.
Keith Massimino identified himself during public comment and urged the board to examine oversight of Parent Teacher Organization volunteers after a recent embezzlement at two PTOs. He asked the district to require background checks for volunteers who interact with students and handle fundraising activities.
"I think what I'm asking for is not necessarily to do anything from you guys' standings to the PTOs ... But one thing we will do is make sure that anyone that will be interacting with our children in our schools has a clean record," Massimino said. Board members responded that PTOs and volunteers coordinate with principals, that the district has existing visitor/volunteer policies and that the central office will cross‑reference current policies to see how they could apply. The superintendent said staff would take the comment under consideration and review relevant policies.
Massimino also raised questions about two school resource officers placed in district schools, saying one had prior issues in other municipalities; staff reiterated that the police department hires resource officers and central office does not directly employ them.
