Policy 3150 – School Volunteers

The Greater Johnstown Board of Education recognizes the benefit to the District and the community of utilizing volunteers who offer their services to the District and programs.

The Board, wishing to protect these individuals and the District, adopts the following policy regarding the solicitation, acceptance and use of volunteers.

  1. Since volunteers are not employees or agents or the District, it is required that all volunteers act under the direction or supervision of an employee or official of the District only.  School personnel who will be using volunteers will be responsible for identifying appropriate tasks and time schedules, as well as coordinating supervision and evaluation of such volunteers.
  2. Any District employee wishing to use volunteers in the implementation of District programs must first receive written permission from the principal.
  3. Any unsolicited offer of volunteer services must be approved in writing by the principal before such services are accepted.
  4. Volunteers are not authorized to bind the District to any agreements, purchases or other obligations.  Should a volunteer be presented with any proposed agreement or desire additional support in the form of materials, it should be presented to the District employee or official supervising that volunteer activity.
  5. The District will only hold harmless and insure authorized volunteers acting within the scope of their volunteer duties. Unauthorized volunteers and/or activities shall not be so protected.
  6. All volunteers shall be subject to screening procedures, including but not limited to:
    1. Volunteers may be required to provide references, who will be contacted before the volunteer begins service.
    2. The District reserves the right to request information on previous criminal convictions.
    3. Each volunteer may be investigated to determine whether he/she has a history of child abuse.
    4. Each volunteer offering to drive students in a motorized vehicle may be investigated through the New York State Motor Vehicle Department and is subject to the provisions of the District’s policy on use of privately owned vehicles.
  7. The Superintendent of Schools shall develop and implement any guidelines or rules necessary to implement this policy

Volunteer Protection Act of 1997,
42 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 14501 et seq.
Education Law Sections 3023 and 3028
Public Officers Law Section 18

NOTE:      Refer also to Policy #6540 — Defense and Indemnification of Board Members and Employees.

Adopted: 4/25/01