Docket in Your Pocket

There's an app for that now. According to an article in today's PG, for $2.99 you can do your own background checks for the coaches, babysitters, bus drivers, or anyone else who has contact with your kids. Tomorrow's Policy Committee has a discussion for background checks on bus drivers listed on their agenda.

Is there anyone available to record the meeting for me? Any candidates running for school board or any of the sports people who might be there to hear the concussion protocol discussion? I won't be able to attend, but would like to have a podcast for the website.  Yes, I am aware that the school district is providing that service now.

Coffee with the manager and rec staff, Part 2

I thanked the Recreation Department for their new policy regarding background checks for volunteers who work with children.  Dave Donnellan mentioned that the Municipality had invested in new software that shortens the process to 2-3 days and only costs $18 per background check. I added how I was hoping the School District would adopt a similar policy.  As Steve Feller pointed out, many of the volunteers coach more than one sport or activity.  They will be contacting the School District, if they haven't already, to work together on this issue. 

Thank you, Municipality for Volunteer Screening Policy

There have been some changes in the Municipality concerning background checks and volunteers who work in programs or activities involving children. I stumbled upon this September 2011 Volunteer Screening Policy.

On a Rec Center Basketball Program sheet for 2nd-8th grade boys and girls, this appears about half way down the sheet:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: New and Improved background clearance procedures!

Volunteer coaches are needed. Please check the "Contact me for volunteering" box on the REGISTRATION FORM.  Background checks are mandatory for coaches prior to the start of the season.  Applicants must sign a consent form and the cost of the clearance will be paid for by the Recreation Department. Turnaround time is typically 2-3 days.  For information, go to www.mtlebanon.org, click on Volunteer Opportunities.

I plan to go to the Coffee with the Manager tomorrow since the Rec Department staff will be special guests. I am so glad that the Rec Center sees how important this is.  Thank you!!!

Pa. Tightens Rules For Employment In Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A new Pennsylvania state law that overhauls criminal history disclosure rules for all public and private school employees also imposes a lifetime ban on working in a school for people who commit certain crimes.

The law, which was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on June 30, took effect late last month.
School employees must now report any arrests or convictions of serious crimes in their past by Dec. 27.
Education Department spokesman Tim Eller said an employee who admits to having a conviction for one of 27 specific offenses must be terminated immediately. Those crimes include criminal homicide, drug convictions, sexual assault and luring a child.
The law applies to teachers, administrators, support staff and contractors.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/29433513/detail.html

"It's only common sense when you're dealing with children."

Looks like the city is cracking down on football coaches, assistant coaches and cheerleading coaches.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_757758.html 

Harper ordered the leagues to conduct background checks on all adults who work with children and made clearance of those checks a requirement before they could receive credentials, which are required to be present on the field.

Update September 22, 2011 9:40 a.m. Two Mt. Lebanon youth football coaches step down