Grain Valley Schools are set to enhance student safety with new volunteer background check procedures approved during the School Board meeting on August 21, 2025. The district is transitioning to a new vendor for background checks, which will now include a comprehensive 50-state search, significantly improving the thoroughness of the vetting process.

One of the key changes is the reduction of the validity period for volunteer background checks from five years to two years. This adjustment aims to ensure that any potential issues are identified more promptly. Additionally, the district reserves the right to conduct more frequent checks if concerns arise, particularly for volunteers participating in activities like field trips.

The new system will also implement fingerprinting for volunteers who have one-on-one interactions with students. This measure is designed to provide ongoing monitoring, alerting the district to any legal issues that may arise after a volunteer has been cleared.

While the cost for background checks will decrease from $17.25 to $12.95, volunteers will now need to pay for these checks every two years instead of every five, leading to an overall increase in expenses over time. The district emphasizes that these changes are crucial for maintaining a safe environment for students.

Training for volunteers has also been addressed, with a video training program in place to educate them on appropriate conduct, particularly regarding interactions with students. This initiative reflects the district's commitment to ensuring that all volunteers are well-informed and prepared to contribute positively to the school community.

As these new policies roll out this school year, Grain Valley Schools aim to bolster safety measures and foster a secure learning environment for all students.