Background Checks



In order to provide for the safety of our children, all individuals who work directly with the students of
DeSoto County Schools must have a background check processed. 


This includes the following:

  • Chaperones
  • Volunteers
  • Contractual Employees (i.e. Behavioral Technicians, Cheer Coaches, Trainers, etc.)

All volunteers, chaperones, or groups that work directly with students are held to the same standard as other district employees.  The following standards are used in determining whether a background check will be required for volunteers:

  1. If a volunteer provides services to students under the direct supervision of a certified DeSoto County School employee, a background check is not required.
  2. If a volunteer provides services to students at any time when a certified DeSoto County School employee is not providing direct supervision, a background check is required.
  3. If a volunteer is a member of an organization providing services to the students of a school (i.e. contracted cheer coach) and a certified DeSoto County School employee is not providing direct supervision, then the individual is required to complete a background check in order to work with the students. 

The processing fee for background checks is $32 per individual. 

PLEASE NOTE: Authorization forms should be completed by the principal prior to the appointment.  Background checks will not be processed on any individual without the authorization form and/or appointment. To schedule an appointment for a background check, please contact Mrs. Lisa Booth at 662-449-7160.  Background checks for volunteers and/or chaperones are processed on Wednesdays. 

All teachers, maintenance, transportation workers, food service workers, office staff and instructional assistants must be fingerprinted for a background check before beginning their first day of employment. These employee will be fingerprinted for a background check during their new hire orientation. For more information regarding orientation click the link below:
New Hire Orientation