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A pilot project has been launched to perform criminal background checks on people who volunteer to work with students in Kenai Peninsula schools.

At first, the project will involve only four schools, but officials expect to expand it to all schools by fiscal year 2010.

Substituting for Kenai Peninsula Borough Schools Superintendent Donna Peterson at the Board of Education meeting Monday, Chief Finance Officer Melody Douglas told the school board the project is under way at Soldotna Middle School, Kaleidoscope charter school, Moose Pass School and West Homer Elementary School.

"I sent out an all-call for schools to volunteer for the project," Douglas said. The four that were selected all volunteered and represent a cross section of school types and locations around the peninsula, she said.

According to Human Resources Director Tim Peterson, volunteers will be checked for criminal backgrounds. Credit checks will not be done.

"We're not looking for misdemeanors," Peterson said. "We're looking for felonies."

When asked if a particular incident triggered the pilot project, Douglas and Peterson said nothing in the district kicked it off; it was prompted by the national focus on student safety.

Criminal background checks already are being done on newly hired employees of the school district, as well as cocurricular activity leaders and coaches. The new program extends to volunteers who serve as field trip chaperones or assist teachers in the classroom.

"This is the next level to make sure kids are safe," Peterson said.

The background checks are performed by a national firm at the cost of $7.10 per person.

"Only Human Resources will see the data that comes back," Peterson said. "Not even the school administrator will see it."

Kaleidoscope administrator Mick Wykis said on average, the number of regular volunteers at his school is "in the high 30s."

"They work in the classroom, serve as field trip chaperones, grade papers and assist teachers," he said.

In addition to school district officials and principals from the four schools reviewing the pilot project, the committee also includes a parent representative.

The project begins Thursday.

"Student safety is in the forefront of all our minds," Douglas said. "Unfortunately, not all individuals coming in contact with students have students' best interest at heart."

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.