July 15, 2025 – Duval County Public Schools is strengthening its commitment to student safety by updating its volunteer background screening policy.
Approved by the School Board, the revised Board Policy 9.63 brings the district into alignment with state law and introduces stricter background checks for volunteers who serve in chaperone roles or other roles that may or may not be in direct view of district employees.
Two types of volunteers
Previously, all volunteers underwent a Level I background screening. Under the updated policy, there is now a more comprehensive Level II background screening for volunteers who serve as chaperones or similar roles.
· Level I Volunteers
These are volunteers who are always under the direct supervision of district staff and are never alone with students. Examples include classroom helper, book fair volunteer, or cafeteria monitor. Level I screening includes a check against the Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Public Website.
· Level II Volunteers/Chaperones
These are volunteers who may be out of direct view of staff or responsible for supervising students, such as chaperones. This screening process includes:
o A fingerprint-based background check
o A review of felonies and other criminal offenses
o A national sexual offender registry check
Note: While this update provides an added layer of security, it remains best practice for both employees and volunteers to avoid one-on-one interactions with students, except under unavoidable or emergency circumstances.
Key changes
· The volunteer application form now includes a Level II volunteer category.
· A fee of $80–$100 will apply to Level II background checks. The volunteer covers this fee.
What do you need to do?
· New Volunteers: If you have never volunteered with Duval County Public Schools, complete the Volunteer Application Form. The type of volunteering activities you indicate on the form will determine whether you need to complete Level I or Level II screening. If you are a Level I volunteer, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application submission. If you are a Level II volunteer, you will receive an email with instructions on how to begin the Level II screening process.
· Current Chaperones/Level II Volunteers: If you are a current volunteer in a chaperone role (or any other role where you work with students outside the direct view of staff) you will need to log into your current account and edit your profile to indicate that you are a Level II volunteer. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email with instructions on how to begin the screening process.
· Current Level I Volunteers: No action is required if the volunteer is not planning to change to Level II.
Note: The updated policy does not apply to visitors attending short-term events like career days or guest readings. It also does not apply to student volunteers who are minors, as they are always required to be supervised.
Questions? Reach out to the district’s Volunteer Team at volunteer@duvalschools.org, and be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions additional guidance.