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Buckingham County school board members want to encourage members of the community to volunteer. But they also want to make sure there are policies in place, providing specific guidelines over things like background checks. Board members addressed both current requests to volunteer and looked at putting together an ordinance for the future during their Wednesday, March 12 meeting. 

Over the last month, there’s been some requests to volunteer. Specifically now, the Buckingham County school board has been asked to decide if someone can volunteer and help coach baseball. But there’s not much guidance, as far as what the rules are. The only ordinance, which was amended back in 2021, states “the involvement of parents, volunteers, and others in the community who can serve as a resource to schools is a fundamentally important component of successful school programs. The administration of each school directs the activities of parents, volunteers and other community resources at the building level.”

There was also a vote from three years ago, where the school board made a decision not to accept any volunteers for assisting in any sports related activities. Now this new school board wants to change that, to encourage involvement. 

“I think it’s a plus, having the community volunteering in our schools,” board member Todd Jamerson said. 

Vice Chair Joe Snoddy agreed, saying “anytime we have an ability to impact our students (and help), I think we need to take that opportunity.” 

Buckingham County School Board gives rules

So how do you invite volunteers? First off, the board took a vote approving all volunteers asking for confirmation. That’s a one-time deal, done for this semester only. The next step, that’s still to be discussed. Board members talked about wanting to make sure all volunteers would get a background check and have rules to follow. 

Buckingham Superintendent Dr. John Keeler suggested that the board work on coming up with an ordinance they’re happy with over the next few months. Then they could announce it over the summer, giving time for volunteers to be in place before the first week of school. That also gives teachers and coaches the ability at the beginning of the year to see which of these volunteers will stay and which will leave after one or two times. 

“That way, you get your volunteers you know you can count on,” Keeler said. “If something comes up and you need some help, by and large, you’ll get it.”