Radford City Public Schools • Community

School Volunteers

Your time and talents help us build better Bobcats. Connect with your school to learn how you can support students, staff, and school programs.

Become a Volunteer Volunteer Agreement

Start With Your School

Volunteer placements are based on the duties and responsibilities of each role. School administrators determine the appropriate volunteer tier.

  1. Contact the school. Apply to the principal directly or through the school staff member who oversees the program you would like to support.
  2. Read and sign the agreement. All program volunteers must sign the RCPS School Volunteer Agreement before providing service. Coordinate with the school to complete the agreement; the tier and approval sections are for administrative use.
  3. Complete any required background check. If your role is Tier 3, obtain a signed authorization form from the authorizing administrator and complete the required fingerprint background check.
  4. Check in before volunteering. During school hours, check in at the school’s front office. Outside school hours, check in with the supervising staff member.

Understanding Volunteer Tiers

The level of supervision and the work you will perform determine your tier. Your school will confirm your placement.

Tier 1

Direct Supervision

Work with or under the direct supervision of a teacher, director, or administrator.

  • Homeroom parties and celebrations
  • Parent School Association activities
  • Support for athletic programs and extracurricular events
Tier 2

General Supervision

Work with or under the general supervision of a teacher, director, or administrator.

  • Instructional assistance and tutoring
  • Chaperoning field trips during school hours
  • School fundraising
Tier 3

Independent Student Work

May work with students independently under general supervision.

  • Instructional assistance and tutoring
  • Field trips, including overnight trips
  • Coaching or working directly with students

Tier 3: Fingerprint Background Check Required

Tier 3 volunteers must complete a volunteer fingerprint background check. A $20.00 payment to RCPS is required. The authorization form must be signed by the authorizing administrator: the building principal, director, or assistant superintendent. Contact your school for the authorization form and instructions.

While You Volunteer

Every volunteer helps maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment.

Check In Each Time

Report to the front office during school hours or to supervising personnel outside school hours before beginning your volunteer service.

Protect Confidentiality

Understand and demonstrate confidentiality in your volunteer work, including information about students and school matters.

Refer Concerns to Staff

Refer financial decisions, disciplinary issues, medical needs, and emergency situations to supervising personnel. Ask staff for guidance about your volunteer responsibilities.

Follow School Policies

Serve under the supervision and direction of the staff member overseeing the program and the principal or designee. Follow the policies and rules of the school and school division.

Before You Begin

Select a question to learn more about the volunteer agreement.

Does every volunteer need a background check?

The agreement requires a fingerprint background check for Tier 3 volunteers. Your school will determine your tier and explain the requirements for your role.

Do invited speakers or school guests need to sign?

This regulation applies to program volunteers. Invited speakers and guests of the school are not required to sign a formal volunteer agreement.

Are insurance or employee benefits provided?

RCPS does not provide volunteers with medical or hospitalization insurance, workers’ compensation benefits, or unemployment insurance.

How are volunteer placements and service decisions handled?

Volunteering is a privilege supported by the School Board and administration. The school may accept or deny access to volunteer opportunities regardless of background check findings and will provide the reason in writing.

Volunteer service may be ended at any time without prior notice by the volunteer, the staff member administering the program, the principal, or the superintendent. An appeal of a decision to terminate volunteer service is limited to the superintendent and will not be heard by the School Board.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Contact the school where you would like to volunteer to discuss opportunities, confirm your volunteer tier, and get help with the agreement or background check process.

Find Your School

Based on the RCPS School Volunteer Agreement, Regulation IICB/IICC, revised September 21, 2026.