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IJOC - SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The Board supports the use of community resources, including volunteers, to complement and support instructional programs and extracurricular activities in the school. Volunteers work in partnership with, under the supervision of, and at the request of school administrators and staff.

The purposes of the volunteer program are to:

  1. Assist teachers in providing more individualized instruction and enrichment opportunities for students; assist staff with school projects; supervise or chaperone student activities; and perform clerical work;
  2. Build an understanding of and support for school programs among interested citizens; and
  3. Strengthen school/community relations.

Prospective volunteers must complete an application form and confidentiality agreement. Background checks will be performed for all prospective volunteers, and community volunteers will submit two references to be checked by the volunteer coordinator. Background checks will be repeated every five years. In addition, those volunteers whose work assignment regularly includes one-to-one support of students will have fingerprint results on file. Any adults accompanying an overnight field trip will also have fingerprint results on file. Applications will be screened and approved by the volunteer coordinator. The Superintendent and school principal are authorized to use their discretion to decline an application or terminate the services of a volunteer if they determine it is in the best interests of the school department.

The school principal must approve all regular volunteer assignments before volunteers begin work. Regular volunteers are those who come in on a frequent basis for a specific purpose. The supervising staff member is responsible for giving volunteers a clear understanding of those duties, procedures, and expectations necessary to perform their assignments.

All volunteers who are approved to work with students and/or in support of school programs are expected to comply with the following requirements.

  1. Volunteers shall attend any required volunteer orientation/training sessions provided by the school department.
  2. Volunteers will work with students under the supervision and direction of authorized school staff in the classroom or in a highly visible and accessible open setting.
  3. Volunteers shall perform only such duties and tasks specifically approved and assigned by an administrator or supervising staff member.
  4. Volunteers must keep all student and staff information strictly confidential. Volunteers may not access, review, disclose, or use confidential student or staff information. This requirement applies even after a volunteer stops performing services for the schools.
  5. Volunteers will conduct themselves in a professional manner and comply with all Board policies, school rules, and directions from school personnel.
  6. In accordance with Maine law, a member of the Board or a member's spouse may not serve as a volunteer when they have primary responsibility for a curricular or extracurricular program or activity and report directly to the Superintendent or a school administrator.
  7. Individuals will refrain from taking and/or posting photographs and/or video of students using personal devices while serving in a volunteer capacity.
  8. This policy will be reviewed annually so that key provisions are highlighted for all staff as the new school year begins.
  • 20-A MRSA ยง 1002

Adopted:

  • February 8, 1994

Revised:

  • June 1998
  • September 13, 2005
  • September 10, 2013
  • June 13, 2017
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