Beginning August 1, 2023, all volunteers and visitors that will have an interaction with students other than your own will be required to complete a paid volunteer background check.  This includes, but is not limited to: parents participating in field trips, volunteering in the classroom, attending classroom parties, participating in field day activities, or joining your child for lunch.

The cost of the required check is $20.00.  Background checks will need to be submitted a minimum of one week prior to the event you wish to attend.  All paid background checks will be valid from the date of the check for three years at either school in the district.  Any parents that have completed a paid Cowan background check in the last two years will be valid for three years from the date of the original check.  Anyone wishing to check your current background check status may email Sheryl Marshall [email protected] or call (765) 289-4866. 

The results of the background check will produce two status levels:

Fully Approved Status:  This status indicates that the applicant has no restrictions or precautions in place.  Either no misdemeanor or felony charges are present in the criminal history report or the offenses and/or time of the actions is considered to be significantly in the past. 

Unapproved Status:  This status indicates that criminal or misdemeanor charges are present on the criminal history report and they are deemed serious or recent enough that it is necessary to fully restrict the applicant from assistant in the school with volunteer activities.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to report any arrests that take place within the three-year approval window.  Failure to do so will result in the removal of approved status.

School administration still reserves the right to deny access based on certain circumstances such as lockdowns and other safety concerns.

We encourage all parents to actively participate in their child’s school community. Any families needing financial assistance with background checks should contact the superintendent, via email at [email protected] or call (765) 289-4866.

Policy Board Approved - July 20, 2023

Click HERE to Begin a Volunteer or Visitor Background Check