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Volunteer & School Access Background Check

School volunteers are vital members of our community, offering valuable support that enhances the educational experience for students, teachers, and staff. We greatly appreciate the time and dedication our volunteers bring to enrich our school environment.

WGSD values the time and support our volunteers provide. To help maintain a safe learning environment, volunteers must complete the District approval process and follow applicable Board policies and District expectations.

Before You Volunteer

  • Review the WGSD Volunteer Guidelines, including confidentiality and professional-boundary expectations.
  • Acknowledge and agree to follow applicable Board policies and District guidelines.
  • Complete the Volunteer & School Access Background Check & Volunteer Acknowledgment form.
  • Satisfactorily complete a criminal history records check and Sex Offender Registry (SOR) screening.

Professional Boundaries

Under Wis. Stat. § 118.07(7), District expectations governing appropriate communication apply to volunteers acting in their official role with students. Volunteers are not expected or authorized to independently communicate with students outside their assigned school-sponsored activity.

Volunteers must maintain professional boundaries and promptly report suspected grooming, abuse, inappropriate communication, or boundary violations to supervising staff or a District administrator.

General Expectations

  • Protect confidential student, family, and staff information (See Policy 8350).
  • Perform only assigned responsibilities and work under the direction of District staff.
  • Follow school procedures and promptly report student safety concerns.

Insurance & Liability

Approved volunteers are covered under the District's liability policy while performing authorized duties. The District does not provide health insurance or workers' compensation coverage for volunteer service. The required acknowledgment/release is included on the background-check form.

Volunteer Service

Volunteer service may be approved, assigned, limited, or discontinued based on District and student needs. Additional requirements may apply to specialized volunteer roles. Thank you for supporting WGSD students.

A Board member may serve as a volunteer coach or supervisor of an extracurricular activity if the provisions of 120.20, Wis. Stats., and this policy are satisfied. (See also Bylaw 0144.3 - Conflict of Interest) The Superintendent shall also ensure that each volunteer is properly informed of the District's appreciation for their time and efforts in assisting the operation of the schools. 

Policy 9800.01 - Veterans as Classroom Volunteers outlines veteran volunteer requirements for recognition from the District and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

Legal Authority: Wis. Stat. § 118.07(7); Wis. Stat. § 120.20