Screening of volunteers is one method to help ensure protection of students and effective placement of volunteers. The screening of volunteers is crucial due to the vulnerability of children. The screening process will also help identify individuals who pose an unacceptable risk to the students, the school district, or the members of the community. The Superintendent, or designee, has the authority to limit or exclude individuals from volunteering based on information received on a criminal records background check. Craven County Schools reserves the right to conduct a criminal records check at any time on any volunteer with the school system.
Screening will help the district:
- Assure the appropriate placement of individuals;
- Identify individuals who would create an unacceptable risk of being placed in certain situations;
- Exclude dangerous individuals.
School personnel responsible for screening volunteers will respect the rights of volunteers. The Board extends its equal employment opportunity practices to volunteers and does so without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, except where sex, age or physical requirements are essential occupational qualifications.
N.C.G.S. 95-28.3 provides the opportunity for parents/guardians to volunteer in the schools for four hours per year. Parents should check with their employers regarding guidelines on how they may take advantage of this opportunity.
All school volunteers are expected to be professional and dependable in their volunteer activities. The Superintendent or designee reserves the right to remove any volunteer who fails to comply with the expectations of the district.
Please view the following cross references and policies below:
3-05 - Drug-Free Workplace
3-05(a) - Use of Tobacco Products
Technology Responsible Use
Social Media Policy
Policy 4040/7310 - Staff Student Relations
Please reference area above section A, it explains the interactions and relationships between staff and students. It also indicates that for the purposes of this policy, the term staff and employees include independent contractors, school safety officers, and volunteers.
Policy 5015- School Volunteers
Number 4 states that adequate training of volunteers, including familiarizing volunteers with applicable laws, board policies (including policy 4040/7310, Staff-Student Relations), administrative procedures and school rules.
It also adds that the principal or designee has the discretion to reject volunteers or terminate the services of volunteers already approved, as appropriate.
