Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Background Checks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses tightening volunteer background-check policy, clarifying fingerprinting and recordkeeping
Summary
At its May 28 work/study meeting the Manistee Area Public Schools board discussed amending volunteer screening procedures to clarify when fingerprinting is required, where ICHAT records are stored, and whether volunteer recruitment and orientation should surface these requirements.
The Manistee Area Public Schools Board of Education reviewed district volunteer screening procedures during its May 28 work/study meeting, focusing on whether the volunteer policy should explicitly allow fingerprinting and how ICHAT records are stored.
Board members and staff agreed the volunteer policy’s language is inconsistent on fingerprinting and should be amended so requirements are clear. Stoneman confirmed that ICHAT checks are run annually, that fingerprints are processed through Human Resources, and that secretaries at individual schools currently keep copies of ICHAT documentation and drivers’ license records on file. The board asked that the procedure spell out where records are kept and which office is responsible for them.
Members also discussed differences between employee and volunteer screening. Staff said employees must have fingerprints; for summer daycare programs the district may need two sets of prints to meet Michigan LARA childcare requirements used by neighboring Ludington. The board asked staff to return with a recommended policy change that aligns district practice with LARA requirements and clarifies when fingerprinting is required for volunteers and for summer childcare.
The board suggested the district’s ATP program lead volunteer recruitment and present clear volunteer expectations during orientation so parents understand screening steps. No formal motion to change the policy was recorded; the item was discussed for follow-up.
