Volunteer Information

Our schools are extremely fortunate to have the support of our parent and community volunteers.  While we are continually grateful for this support, we are also aware of the potential concerns that can arise when volunteers are working directly with students.  One of the recent priorities established by our District Safety Committee, which is comprised of law enforcement personnel, first responders, parents, and staff, is that volunteers should have background checks completed to promote safety within our schools.  Each staff member and coach in the district is required to provide initial and ongoing background checks to insure that they are deemed safe for working with our students, so it makes sense to consider a similar requirement for volunteers working with students or who are helping in the building during the school day.

What is required?

Background checks through the district’s online system will be required of all school volunteers.

When does the requirement go into effect?

All school volunteers are encouraged to apply for the background check as soon as possible.  Beginning on March 1, 2019, a background check will be required to be able to volunteer.

How long does it take to process a background check?

Volunteers should apply for the check at least one week prior to an event.

What activities require a background check?

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples that do or do not require a background check:

Background Check Required                                                Background Check NOT Required

Chaperoning a field trip                                                           Having lunch with your child

Providing learning support for a classroom                                Picking up a child from school

Helping with making copies/preparing materials in school           Being a guest speaker

PTO volunteer work                                                                Attending a student performance

Volunteering for a classroom celebration in school

Helping in school during the instructional day

How much does a background check cost?

The district shares the cost of the background check.  Volunteers pay the remaining $5.00 cost via credit card on the third-party site when applying.  Credit card information is not kept by the third-party vendor. Volunteers with financial concerns can contact Claire Paul in Human Resources at 740-965-3010.  

What issues disqualify a person from being able to volunteer?

Disqualifiers generally include convictions of a misdemeanor or felony.  Infractions such as traffic violations will most likely not prevent a person from being a volunteer.  

Is a background check required if a volunteer has another background check result that can be shared?

Yes, a background check must be completed through the district’s online system, regardless of any other background check that a volunteer can provide.  

What does the district do with the information from a background check?

Information from the background check is used solely for the purpose of determining volunteer eligibility.  Specific information will not be made known to individual school staff members, unless there is a safety concern.  

How do you apply for a background check?

A link to the application is available by clicking here or the link below to get started.

Where can answers to additional questions be found?  

The attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has been created to help with understanding whether a background check is needed, depending on the reason for visiting a building.  In general, if a volunteer will be supervising or working with students in any form, a successful background check is required.  The information can also be found in the column on the right of this page.