Classroom Volunteer Suspected of Molesting Two Students

In Contra Costa County, CA, the John Swett School District is re-evaluating its volunteer–screening policy following the arrest of Joseph Webb at Rodeo Hills Elementary on suspicion of molesting two boys while helping at a classroom party.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that Webb had inappropriate contact with two boys, ages 6 and 7. Webb was an infrequent volunteer at the school and so therefore never was required to complete a background check. When a deputy went to the school to investigate a report accusing a volunteer of having “inappropriate and unlawful contact with the children” he found Webb on the premises with a knife on him. Prior to his arrest, Webb had only volunteered once or twice at Rodeo Hills Elementary. Currently, he is being held at the county jail in Martinez.

Michael Roth, Superintendent of the district, stated “The district is cooperating fully with the investigation and taking what steps it can to support those involved.” The district conducts background checks on all volunteers who have regular contact with students. However, it does not have such a policy for occasional volunteers such as parents who help with parties or serve as chaperones on field trips.

“There’s some thinking going on as to whether or not it needs to be more rigorous,” Roth said. “Those are the types of questions that need to be considered.”