A parent of a child who attends school in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School system said she’s “shocked” after changes were made for volunteers who accompany students on school trips.
The mother of the youth reached out to Today’s Northumberland after she received the notice of the KPRDSB Volunteer Policy Update on October 16, 2025.
“These updates support volunteer engagement in school activities and student achievement, while also removing barriers to participation,” stated the e-mail to parents. Importantly, these changes will help reduce costs and wait times for volunteers who wish to support students and schools on a continual, year-over-year basis.
A major concern is that the yearly Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is now been changed to happen every five years.
But the applicant has to complete a Annual Volunteer Offence Declaration each year.
The mother who asked not to be named states, “this is shocking and totally backwards.”
“Instead of volunteers being required to complete a vulnerable sector check yearly, it’s every five years, with just a declaration in between.”
“That is just a sheet the volunteer signs saying they haven’t committed an offence in the last five years.”
“As a parent, I’m aware schools are struggling to acquire parent volunteers, however, is easing up on the screening process the right answer?”
Greg Kidd, Communications spokesperson with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board said that policies are reviewed every five years to ensure they are up-to-date and relevant.
From March-May 2025, the Board invited parents/caregivers, staff and community stakeholders to review an updated draft Volunteers Policy and Administrative Regulation and provide the board with feedback.
“The overwhelming majority of the 56 respondents who responded to the proposed policy changes appreciated the change in practice from annual Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check, to Checks every five years and annual offence declarations.”
Kidd said the changes will help reduce costs and wait times for volunteers who wish to support students.
“We know that principals have connections to and knowledge of their school communities. Volunteers are only eligible to submit an offence declaration if they are returning to the same school each year and are already known through a volunteering relationship. Those volunteers who change school/location, or who return following an absence of 12 months to a school/location are required to provide a new Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.”
Kidd also advised the updates align with practices in other Ontario school boards and the changes are also consistent with recently announced Ministry of Education legislation for the submission of Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks every five years for all education sector workers and volunteers, and offence declarations for the years in between.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
