NEPN/NSBA Code: IJOC

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The School Committee supports the use of community resources, including volunteers, to complement and support instructional programs and extracurricular activities in the schools. Volunteers are individuals who perform service for school districts without expectation, promise, or receipt of monetary payment or benefits, except for expenses, reasonable benefits, or a nominal fee, in partnership with and under the supervision of school administrators and staff. This policy shall not apply to volunteer services performed by individuals who are also school district employees. 

The purpose of the volunteer program are to:

1.Assist teachers in providing more individualized instruction and enrichment opportunities for students; assist staff with school projects; supervise or chaperone student activities; and perform clerical tasks;

2.Build an understanding of and support for school programs among interested persons; and 

3. Strengthen the relationship between school and community. 

Prospective volunteers must complete an application form and volunteer agreement each year. Reference and background checks will be performed for all prospective volunteers.

Applications will be screened and approved by the Superintendent/designee. The Superintendent and/or building administrator/director are authorized to use their discretion to decline an application or terminate the services of a volunteer if they determine it is in the best interests of the school department at any time. 

The building administrator must approve all volunteer assignments before volunteers begin work. The supervising staff member is responsible for giving volunteers a clear understanding of the duties, procedures, and expectations necessary to perform their assignments 

All volunteers who are approved to interact with students and/or in support of school programs are expected to comply with the following requirements.

1.Volunteers should attend any required volunteer orientation/training sessions provided by the school department.

2.Volunteers will interact with students under the immediate supervision and direction of authorized school staff.

3. Volunteers shall perform only such duties and tasks specifically approved and assigned by an administrator or supervising staff member.

4.Volunteers must keep all student and staff information strictly confidential. Volunteers may not access, review, disclose, or use confidential student or staff information without specific authorization from a school administrator. This requirement applies even after a volunteer stops performing services for the school district.

5.Volunteers will conduct themselves in a professional manner and comply with all School Committee policies, school rules, and directions from school personnel.

6.In accordance with Maine law, a member of the School Committee or a member’s spouse may not serve as a volunteer when they have the primary responsibility for a curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular program or activity and reports directly to the Superintendent or a school administrator.

Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1002

  29 C.F.R. §§553.100 to .106

Adopted: October 30, 2017

Revised: July 15, 2024

Revised: November 17, 2025