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. As a result, we have launched a new Volunteer Clearance Process with different requirements for different types of school or classroom volunteer commitments.

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: 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: This year we will have a Returning Volunteer Application, which will be an abbreviated version of the current process.

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: 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.

A: Please visit the Volunteer webpage, and click either the “Level A” or “Level B” Volunteer Application, to begin the application process.

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 new clearance process is now required for anyone who wishes to begin, or continue, in their volunteer capacity.

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.