Volunteers

Prospective volunteers must complete a Temple ISD Volunteer Application online, authorize Temple ISD to conduct a DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) verification check and submit a copy of their driver's license or another form of identification containing the person's photograph. The completed volunteer application must be submitted online and is received by the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist.   Once all of the required information is received by the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist, the process will take up to one week. The Volunteer/Mentor Specialist will notify the Campus Administrator through email the eligibility or ineligibility of the volunteer. For eligibility status please contact your Campus Administrator.        

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is every volunteer required to submit a DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) form? This is a precaution to protect the safety of our students and the liability of our district. It is also the law. The Texas Education Code 22.0835 states that a school district must obtain all criminal history record information that relates to a volunteer or person who has indicated, in writing, an intention to serve as a volunteer with the district.

What if a volunteer refuses to submit a DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) form? They will not be allowed to volunteer with Temple ISD. The Texas Education Code 22.0835 states a person may not perform any volunteer duties until all requirements have been satisfied.  

What if criminal history data is discovered through the DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) Verification process? The Volunteer/Mentor Specialist will contact an upper-level Human Resource administrator to review the criminal history information. This information is highly confidential and will only be seen and processed by the fewest number of qualified Temple ISD staff members necessary to make a determination. The Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources will establish the eligibility status of all prospective volunteers with criminal history data. The Volunteer/Mentor Specialist will notify the Campus Volunteer Representative and Campus Administrator through email the eligibility or ineligibility of the volunteer.         

How will a prospective volunteer be informed of his/her eligibility status? If the prospective volunteer is determined to be eligible to volunteer, the Campus Volunteer Representative will be responsible for contacting the volunteer. If the prospective volunteer is determined to be ineligible, the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist will contact him/her by phone. Every volunteer determined to be ineligible will also be sent a letter by the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist with information about the appeal process.      

What if a volunteer does not agree with his/ her eligibility status or wants to appeal the decision? Every volunteer that is determined to be ineligible will be sent a letter by the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist with information about the appeal process. At this point in the application process, prospective volunteers will be informed that they can contact an upper-level Human Resource administrator. If a decision to change the eligibility status of a prospective volunteer is made, the upper-level Human Resource administrator will contact the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist. The Volunteer/Mentor Specialist will in turn contact the Campus Administrator.

If the prospective volunteer is determined to be ineligible, can the details of the applicant be disclosed? No information can be shared about the content or nature of the criminal record with the the Campus Administration. The Volunteer/Mentor Specialist and the upper-level Human Resource administrator have special permission from the Texas Department of Public Safety to access the Computerized Criminal History, but they are prohibited from sharing this information with anyone, including the prospective volunteer.       

What if a volunteer has completed a “Computerized Criminal History (CCH)” form with another organization outside of Temple ISD? All prospective volunteers with Temple ISD must follow the same application process. A Computerized Criminal History (CCH) form must be completed with Temple ISD, as well as any partnering agencies, including the United States military.

Do prospective volunteers need to complete the application process more than once, if they have children at more than one campus? No. The determined volunteer eligibility is district-wide. In this situation, the Campus Volunteer Representative should contact the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist in writing to confirm eligibility of the prospective volunteer.

Do volunteers have to complete the volunteer application process in order to participate in the PTO? All prospective volunteers, including PTO members, must follow the same application process.  

Under what circumstance are parents of TEMPLE ISD students required to complete the volunteer application process? The distinguishing factor is whether the parent is volunteering their time with the district or strictly spending time with only their student. The volunteer application process is not required for parents when they drop off school items to their child’s campus, eat lunch with only their child, or attend special programs as an audience member. Volunteer circumstances that do require a volunteer application process include chaperoning field trips, chaperoning after school programs, tutoring students, participating in fundraising activities or selling items on campus. Any activity that requires a parent to be involved with Temple ISD students during Temple ISD sponsored events for moderate amounts of time, even if it is a one-time event, must complete the application process.

Do Temple ISD employees or substitutes need to complete a volunteer application? No, they complete a similar process during the employment hiring procedure. In this situation, the Campus Volunteer Representative should contact the Volunteer/Mentor Specialist in writing to confirm eligibility of the prospective volunteer

What if the prospective volunteer is not a U.S. resident? The Computerized Criminal History does not review immigration status; it only reviews criminal history data reported to the DPS by local criminal justice agencies in Texas.

What if the prospective volunteer does not have a form of identification issued by the U.S.? According the Texas Department of Public Safety, public searches such as the Computerized Criminal History can use any form of photo identification.

How often does the district require a Computerized Criminal History (CCH) form? Each school year, a new Volunteer Application, a new Computerized Criminal History Form, and an updated copy of a driver's license or another form of identification containing the person's photograph are required for each prospective volunteer.