Goddard School District Reviews Volunteer Policy After Sex Offender Chaperones Field Trip

The incident at Clark Davidson Elementary has brought to light the absence of specific laws in Kansas that prevent registered sex offenders from entering school property or participating in school activities. Amanda White, a concerned parent, shared her concerns on social media, leading to over 175,000 views and 450 shares of her video. White met with the Goddard superintendent and school principal to discuss implementing changes. The school district released a statement confirming they were unaware of the volunteer's status and are now re-evaluating their volunteer policies. State Representative Susan Estes is hopeful that increased awareness will lead to changes in Kansas law. A similar bill, House Bill 2527, failed to pass earlier in the year. The Kansas Corporation Commission also made news, ordering Evergy to reroute a portion of a planned electric transmission line to avoid the Flint Hills. Fifteen rural towns in Kansas will share $5 million in funding to improve their downtowns, through the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program.

A registered sex offender was allowed to chaperone a third-grade field trip.

The district is reviewing its volunteer procedures and investigating additional safety measures.

Currently, Kansas has no specific laws prohibiting sex offenders from entering school property or participating in school activities.

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