School requires background checks for parents to eat lunch with students

PELHAM, Ala. — One Alabama school system has a specific requirement for parents wanting to be involved at their school.

WBRC reported that if a student's mom, dad or guardians want to eat lunch with them within the Pelham City School System in Pelham, Alabama, they will need to pass a background check.

>> Read more trending stories

“We have so much parental involvement that the question came up, ‘How do we know everyone in our school is safe to be around our kids?’” Dr. Scott Coefield, the superintendent of Pelham City Schools, told WBRC.

The background checks cost $15.

WBRC reported that some parents expressed concerns about the policy, with one mother saying she wonders how the policy may affect families who are unable to pay for the background check and those who may not be able to complete one because of their immigration status.

Coefield told WBRC there have already been cost cuts made to make the background check more affordable, in addition to a decrease in other fees for parents. But he won't "bend the rules for people who can't get the proper documentation."

The school system, which became independent in 2014, also has a background check policy for parents accompanying students on field trips.

Cox Media Group