IJOC
SCHOOL  VOLUNTEERS

For the purpose of this policy, a volunteer is defined as an individual who serves without pay for over ten (10) hours a year in a designated, approved assignment in the District.

Volunteers can make many valuable contributions to the students and educational programs of the District.  A volunteer program is approved subject to suitable rules, safeguards, and regulations as developed by the Superintendent.

The use of volunteers is encouraged in the District; however, the integrity of the instructional program and environment must always be maintained.

Volunteers may be used in the school to:

A.  Support and enhance the instructional program and delivery.

B.  Enrich the curriculum and broaden student learning opportunities by adding a voice of experience or background knowledge.

C.  Provide students with extra personal attention.

D.  Assist students of varying abilities.

E.  Provide teachers with more time to work with students.

Volunteer screening.  Volunteer applicants, who are not parents of students in the District, shall be fingerprinted for the purpose of background screening at District expense.  District will maintain records of fingerprinted volunteers and require volunteers to be fingerprinted by the District every three (3) years. 

Supervision.  Volunteers shall work under the direct visual supervision of staff members except under circumstances approved by the site administration in writing, with the concurrence of the Superintendent.  Volunteers may be assigned to work only with staff members who request assistance.  Parent or non-parent volunteer chaperones for overnight trips must have a fingerprint clearance card. 

Confidentiality.  According to the family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), only the teacher may have access to student records.  Volunteers must keep confidential matters within the classroom and/or school.

The Superintendent shall promote appropriate annual recognition of volunteer services.

Adopted:  May 23, 2022

LEGAL REF.:
A.R.S.
13-3716
15-512
23-901.06
41-1750

CROSS REF.:
GCFC - Professional Staff Certification and Credentialing Requirements
                 (fingerprinting requirements)
GDFA - Support Staff Qualifications and Requirements
                 (fingerprinting requirements)