Volunteers
Bensalem Township School District recognizes that volunteers make valuable contributions in our schools. The Board encourages the use of volunteers, subject to the guidelines set forth in School Board Policy #916. This policy requires background checks to be completed for specific levels of volunteerism and is intended to strengthen the safeguards we have in place for anyone whose service puts them in contact with our students. It is essential that we create and maintain the safest possible environment for our students, and this policy is part of that assurance and in full compliance with laws and guidelines mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Volunteer Definition – One who voluntarily provides a service to the school district without compensation. The building principal authorizes the selection and use of parents/guardians, community members, and others, as volunteers to assist and supplement regular school district staff. The principal will provide a policy letter to each volunteer and obtain an affirmation form to be completed by the volunteer. Under no circumstances shall a volunteer be considered an employee of the district. A volunteer shall receive no wages or other valuable consideration for the performance of volunteer services. The volunteer position is not a right, but a privilege that is conferred by the Board. Any such volunteer position may be eliminated at any time for any reason or no reason.
Who needs to obtain volunteer clearances?
Any adult applying for or holding a volunteer position who is responsible for a child's welfare or has direct contact with children during curricular or co-curricular activities needs to obtain volunteer clearances. Examples include coaching assistants, classroom volunteers, Home & School activity volunteers, field trip chaperones, or school musical/drama volunteers. Clearances are not needed for such activities as concession stand operators (as long as children are not also working in the concession stand), 50/50 or raffle ticket sales at school and sports events, or one-time classroom visitors or educational speakers (though proper ID is still required for all school visitors).
If you have any questions as to whether a clearance and affirmation is needed for a particular volunteer role or activity, please contact your school principal.
Don't Wait!
Act 34 - the Pennsylvania State Police Clearance - can take 2 to 4 weeks to process and Act 151 - the Child Abuse History Clearance - can also take 2 to 4 weeks. You will NOT be allowed to volunteer or chaperone a school trip unless all appropriate volunteer paperwork is complete and submitted. Clearances/Background Checks are valid for five (5) years.
Please note: ***If you have been a resident of Pennsylvania for less than 10 years, you will need to have the FBI fingerprint criminal record check: https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania