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South Side mulls upping security checks on helpers

Volunteers at South Williamsport Area School District soon will face more stringent background checks following the school board meeting Monday evening.

The changes, which will become official after the second reading planned for Dec. 3, require potential helpers and assistants to file an Act 34 Criminal History Report and an Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance Statement.

Helpers also must receive approval from the building administrators, while assistants — those who spend more than 10 hours a week in classes — must receive school board approval.

“We want to be welcoming to parents, we want kids to enjoy the experience in elementary school, we don’t want to cut any of that off,” said Mark Stamm, superintendent. “But, there’s also a realization that we need more control of who’s coming in and how many at one time.”

Chris Branton, president of the school board, asked if creating more of a barrier will affect the number of volunteers.

“Generally these changes with the volunteer forms have been effective. Clearances are free, they’re now good for five years and they’re portable, meaning you can take them from church to cub scouts, you don’t have to get new ones. They just have to provide us with a copy,” Stamm said.

Tom Lorson and Kelly Annicelli, both parents of students, were concerned the new policy would make it harder for parents to be a part of their children’s lives, especially with classrooms having holiday parties shortly, and the new forms may be hard to find.

Stamm said the forms would be available online and the district would work to make the process clear.

“This is a great idea, it’s just sad,” said Sue Bowman, a board member.

She said the changing times make the new policy necessary, but remembers times when she could freely walk into an elementary school and help when needed.

Members present were Sue Bowman, Erica Molino, Chris Branton, Jeff Rowe, Cathy Bachman, Steve Persun and Airneezer Page. Members absent were Greg Anthony and Sue Davenport.

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