Download APS Volunteer Regulations

Administrative Regulation
Descriptor Code: IFCD-R(1)
School Volunteers - Criminal Background Checks
Recruitment, utilization, coordination, and training of volunteers are the
responsibility of each school administration.
Criminal Background Checks
In support of student safety, the superintendent requires that all schools and
administrative offices identify and screen all volunteers in accordance with the
following guidelines. Security clearances for volunteers must be renewed every five
years.
Level 1
Level 1 volunteers are non-district personnel who will have no direct interaction with
students such as volunteers working on playground construction or assisting with
facilities maintenance when school is not in session. Level 1 volunteers do not
require criminal background checks.
Level 2
Level 2 volunteers are non-district personnel who will have direct interaction with
students with other adults present at all times. When Level 2 volunteers interact with
students, an APS employee or no fewer than two other adult volunteers must be
present at all times. Level 2 volunteers do not require fingerprinting or GBI/FBI
criminal background checks. School staff shall check the volunteers’ names in the
Georgia and federal sex offender registries. Registered sex offenders may not
volunteer. School administrators shall have the discretion to pursue any other
screening methods including, but not limited to, personal interviews and reference
checks. Examples of Level 2 volunteers include parents/guardians volunteering for a
field day or school fair, classroom helpers, in-class tutors, performers and speakers
from external agencies.
Georgia Sex Offender Registry: http://services.georgia.gov/gbi/gbisor/
Federal Sex Offender Registry: http://www.nsopw.gov/
Level 3
Level 3 volunteers are non-district personnel who will have direct, unsupervised
interaction with students. Level 3 volunteers shall be fingerprinted by the district
and have GBI/FBI criminal background checks on file prior to service. Payment for
the record check must be provided by the volunteer or a sponsoring organization,
such as a business partner, Parent-Teacher Association or the school. School
administrators shall have the discretion to pursue any additional screening methods,
including, but not limited to, personal interviews and reference checks. Level 3
volunteers must be approved by the Human Resources Division and the principal of
the school prior to participating in activities involving direct, unsupervised interaction
with students. Examples of Level 3 volunteers include chaperones on overnight field
trips who will have any unsupervised interaction with students and mentors who will
have unsupervised interaction with students.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the criminal background requirements may be granted by the Deputy
Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction on a case-by-case basis for guest
speakers with legitimate, unique educational value.
Expectations of Volunteers
APS volunteers are representatives of the school community and role models for
students. As such, volunteers are expected to adhere to the system’s core values:
integrity, high ideals and expectations and sensitivity to the school environment.
Volunteers must take personal responsibility for understanding the system’s ethical
standards and applying them in volunteer activities.
All volunteers are expected to:
1. Make decisions based on what is best for students in all cases
2. Maintain honest, equitable, professional relationships with students, parents,
staff members, community members and other volunteers
3. Observe local, state and federal laws, policies, rules, and regulations
4. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information
5. Support cooperation between the school and the community
6. Refrain from using school contacts and privileges to promote partisan politics,
sectarian religious views, or propaganda of any kind
7. Safeguard school property, equipment, and materials
8. Implement board policies in a spirit of good faith
9. Comply with appropriate standards of professional conduct including, but not
limited to, displaying appropriate behavior, language and attire at all times
Qualification of Volunteers
Prior to participating in an APS volunteer activity, Level 1 volunteers must complete
the Volunteer Release Form. Level 2 and 3 volunteers must have on file at the school
the required background check information, evidence that the volunteer has
completed any required training, as well as a Volunteer Release Form.
Disqualification of Volunteers
School administrators with justified concerns have the authority to exclude
individuals from participating in volunteer activities in their schools. Volunteers—
including parents—who are excluded from Level 2 or 3 volunteer activities due to a
disqualifying offense on the background check or sex offender registry may not
participate in Level 1 volunteer activities. Parents/guardians who are excluded from
volunteer activities may attend public events at the school such as Parent-Teacher
Association meetings and student performances.
Identification
School volunteers must sign-in and out in the school office and obtain a visitor badge
in accordance with policy KM Visitors to School and school procedures.
Access to Student Information
School volunteers shall not have access to confidential student information including
Infinite Campus without express written consent from the parents/legal guardians of
the students.
Atlanta Public Schools
Date: 1/16/2014
Version: 4.3.2.11
Date Issued: 1/10/2012