SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The Brentwood Board of Education encourages parents/guardians and other members of the community to share their time, knowledge and abilities with our students. Community volunteers in our schools and activities enrich the total educational program and strengthen our schools’ relationships with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. The presence of volunteers in the classroom, on school grounds and at extracurricular activities also enhances supervision of students and contributes to school safety.

The superintendent/designee may authorize the use of volunteers and shall establish procedures to protect the safety of students and adults in accordance with laws, district policies and procedures.

A background check shall be performed for each volunteer who directly works with students or who is in the school on a regular basis. Background check applications may be obtained at the appropriate school building or at the superintendent’s office. The district shall pay the initial fee for each volunteer’s FBI, State Highway Patrol and Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services background check. In addition, volunteers shall have a State Highway Patrol and CD background check submitted for each subsequent year they volunteer in the district. The cost of the subsequent years’ background checks will be paid by the district. The results of all background checks will be submitted to the superintendent/designee who will compile a list of all approved volunteers to work in the district. Individuals whose background check indicates they will not compromise the safety of students or the district will be approved for volunteer status. The district may decline the services of any volunteer for any legal reason. All information collected on volunteers will be considered confidential to the extent allowed by law and will only be used to protect the students or minimize disruption to the educational environment.

Although volunteers will provide support services, they are not substitutes for the professional building staff. Volunteers will work under the direction and supervision of district staff.

Volunteering in the district is a privilege, not a right. Volunteers shall act in accordance with district policies, regulations and school rules. Volunteers are under the direction and control of the building principal. The building principal may ask a volunteer to leave the campus if he/she violates a school rule. The superintendent/designee shall be responsible for investigating and resolving complaints regarding volunteers.

Volunteers shall maintain the same confidentiality standards expected of certificated personnel and exhibit the ethical behaviors of a professional. Volunteers shall not have access to confidential student files or records.