A: Because we take the safety of our students and staff seriously, we realize everyone who is on a school campus should be cleared and approved to be present.

A: This is for every person who volunteers regardless of whether or not it is during school hours day, night or weekends.  Anyone volunteering for a District-sponsored event or activity is required. This includes band, PTO, or athletic events and extracurricular activities.

A: The clearance requirements depend on the amount of time you will be spending on campus. The tiered requirements are as follows:

LEVEL A VOLUNTEER:

• 5 or more hours per week
• Megan’s Law clearance
• Tuberculosis clearance
• Live Scan fingerprinting/background check (SMUSD will cover the cost)
• Online Mandated Reporter training
• Review & acknowledgement of Volunteer Handbook
• Approved volunteers at this level will be issued an SMUSD Volunteer Badge

LEVEL B VOLUNTEER:

• Less than 5 hours per week
• Megan’s Law clearance
• Tuberculosis clearance
• Online Mandated Reporter training
• Review & acknowledgement of Volunteer Handbook

Each of the requirements at every level has been deemed necessary through research of best practices for student safety.

A: Yes. As part of our larger SMUSD Safety Taskforce, we are continually reviewing all school safety protocols and procedures. As a result, the need for a more robust volunteer process was identified.

Regardless of how long an individual may have been a volunteer, this clearance process is required for anyone who wishes to begin, or continue, in their volunteer capacity.

A: We encourage prospective volunteers who are unsure of their commitment level to get clearance as a Level A Volunteer so they have as much flexibility as possible throughout the year.

A: Each year we will have a Returning Volunteer Application, which will be an abbreviated version.

Volunteers who obtained fingerprint clearance will not have to do so again, and the TB Risk Assessment is only due every 4 years.

The Returning Volunteer Application is required at the beginning of every school year so our schools have an updated list of cleared volunteers on their campus.

A: The only cost you will incur is for a TB test or TB risk assessment. SMUSD covers the cost of fingerprinting and provides Level A volunteers with an official SMUSD badge.

A: Some form of identification is required. A government issued ID either from this country or another country is a minimum requirement, as SMUSD is required to know who is being permitted to support staff and students.

A: Yes, the application and all information is available in English & Spanish.