When it comes to background checks for those who consistently come in contact with our children at school, the state Department of Education needs a policy that puts safety first, while addressing the looming issue of school volunteers.

The DOE is still playing catch up after a state audit last year revealed some coaches weren't given standard criminal background checks, a required part of the hiring process. Indeed, the district says it has yet to complete background checks on dozens of coaches.

But in the case of 15 volunteer coaches, the DOE discovered it had no authority to conduct background checks because these coaches were not "employees" on the payroll.

That policy should be retooled. Adults with regular and frequent contact with students should be adequately screened.

One solution might rest in a bill being considered by Legislature. The bill would require criminal background checks for DOE contractors and subcontractors. State Senate Education Committee Chairman Norman Sakamoto said he would consider extending that safeguard to include some volunteers.

To be sure, there's a delicate balance needed here in terms of privacy. And any changes to the policy must be done in concert with the DOE, the Board of Education and local school site leaders who best know the needs of the school and its students. For example, a parent who wants to assist in reading to his or her child's class for an hour is quite different from a regular classroom aide or a volunteer coach with ongoing contact with students.

"The goal is not to quash those who want to help," Sakamoto said. "We need to find a balance between the one-time volunteer and the ongoing volunteer."

The ideal solution will have the right amount of leeway to allow volunteers to enrich a child's educational experience on a variety of levels, yet recognize the need to exercise due diligence for those who frequently spend time with kids on campus.

The DOE's spokesman, Greg Knudsen, said the department is discussing how to address the safety issue regarding volunteers. That's encouraging. Changes are indeed in order; to do nothing would leave a security gap in our public schools.