443-984-2000
Whether you are a community member looking to share your time or talent or a parent looking to support your child's school, we thank you for your interest in contributing to our students' success. There are many ways you can participate, from tutoring or mentoring a student to helping out in the office or joining a work crew to landscape, paint, or help beautify a school. Check with the school to find out what's possible, or contact the district's Engagement department for information.
The work of volunteers is defined and described in Board policy and administrative regulations. Volunteers are screened before they can work in schools, and some must have a background check, depending on the nature of their volunteer assignment. If you will be in the school frequently, you will receive a badge to show when you enter the building. Otherwise, you will go through the regular visitor policy and sign in and out.
About signing up to volunteer
How do I sign up?
Please contact the school where you wish to volunteer. You can also contact the district's Engagement department.
Are there eligibility requirements?
All volunteers are checked against the sex offender database.
That is all that's required for a supervised volunteer — that is, someone who will always be supervised by a City Schools employee and will not be in the building frequently — and for volunteers who will not be in contact with students. If you are not listed in the sex offender database, you will receive a notification of eligibility and can begin volunteering immediately.
Indirectly supervised volunteers — that is, someone who may be working alone with students — must go through a criminal background check, which involves fingerprinting. District staff will review the results and email the school principal regarding your eligibility.
I have a criminal record. Can I still volunteer?
That depends on the nature of the charge and when it took place. Results from your background check will be reviewed and district staff will determine if you are eligible to volunteer. The standard for eligibility for volunteers is the same as for employees.
My child goes to the school. Do I need to have a background check?
Yes, parents are required to go through the same process as all volunteers.
I am under age 18. Can I volunteer?
Check with the school principal. Fingerprinting is not required. If the principal agrees to your volunteer service, you can volunteer — but only if you are supervised at all times by a staff member or eligible adult volunteer.
