Camden County Schools launches volunteer portal; HR lists background-check rules and open positions

Camden County Schools’ human resources office told the board on Jan. 9 that the district’s volunteer portal went live in mid-November and has already drawn meaningful sign-ups, and staff clarified which volunteers must undergo background screenings.

HR said more than 15 volunteers have accessed the Raptor portal since it launched; staff described the portal as helping the district both increase volunteer participation and track who is on campus. HR staff clarified that volunteer roles are categorized as Level 1 or Level 2: Level 1 volunteers do not require a background screening and typically assist under staff direction (examples cited included chaperones who accompany their group and some parent helpers), while Level 2 volunteers do require screening. HR also listed examples of volunteer roles such as watchdog volunteers, volunteer coaches, tutors, and mentors.

Human resources also reviewed current vacancies across the district. The list provided to the board included: • Grandy Primary (Grandy Primary in transcript): exceptional children’s teacher and exceptional children’s teacher assistant. • Camden Intermediate School: exceptional children’s teacher. • Camden Middle School: math teacher and exceptional children’s teacher. • Camden County High School: assistant principal, exceptional children’s teacher assistant, fire safety teacher, and JROTC instructor. • Central Office: assessment accountability specialist, instructional technology facilitator, and bus drivers.

The HR presenter noted an ongoing need for bus drivers and said some recent departures have increased demand for drivers.

Board members asked no follow-up questions on the portal rollout during the meeting. HR staff said that because the portal increases visibility into who is volunteering in schools, the district has shifted some funds and staffing to manage the increased volunteer participation and screening workload.