While some said the idea of going through a background check just to volunteer at their kids' school is surprising, school officials said it's absolutely necessary.
If a parents decides they want to be active in their child's classroom this school year, or maybe just have a regular lunch with them at the school, while getting ready for the first day of school, parents need to consider their own background.
"Obviously if there are going to be people who come into our schools whether they are parents or anyone who might come in, we want them to fill out the volunteer application form which then would provide a background screening for any adult spending time in our schools," said Jill Johnson with Duval County Public Schools.
So if a parent regularly attends a school, school district officials will check to see if they're a registered sex offender and do a background check with their driver's license.
If there's something in a person's past that school officials deem a threat to safety, they'll only be allowed to drop off and pick up.
The district added the cost to do this is minimal and is mostly done by computer in a few minutes.
"You wouldn't be allowed any long term period in our schools," Johnson said. "Wouldn't be allowed to come in and work with other children or be in a group setting with other students."
Some parents Channel 4 spoke with were surprised this has been going on in Duval County Schools, but said they feel if it's for security, it's probably for the best.
"I think it's a bit excessive," Steve Dewing said. "I guess background checks should be done at the time that registration can be done and then you should be okay from there."
"It's probably a good idea in today's environment," Carol Stick added. "Better safe than sorry."
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