The Perkiomen Valley School District policy committee moved Monday to send a new volunteer policy to first reading that requires program volunteers to complete mandated-reporter training and submit certificates to human resources, while exempting short-term guest volunteers.

Dr. Russell described the administration’s approach: program volunteers who regularly oversee groups of students — such as coaches — should complete mandated-reporter training and be board-approved, with certificates submitted to HR as part of the approval process. "Anybody who is a program volunteer . . . needs to submit their certificate to HR as part of their approval process," Dr. Russell said.

The committee discussed a gray area for chaperones. The administration recommended that overnight field-trip chaperones be required to take the online three-hour mandated-reporter course, while day-trip chaperones should be informed of expectations and instructed to report concerns to the supervising teacher. "Overnight field trip chaperones would be required to move through the mandated reporter training. It's a 3 hour training online. They submit their certificate to HR when it's completed," Dr. Russell said.

Board members raised concerns about liability and whether volunteers could be treated as state-mandated reporters. One board member noted possible penalties for failing to report; the district solicitor clarified that the state does not classify volunteers as mandated reporters and that the district’s objective is education and ensuring volunteers know reporting steps. The solicitor said the training is intended to educate volunteers on signs and next steps rather than to create statutory obligations.

The committee voted to send the volunteer policy to first reading and asked administration to clarify definitions (program volunteer vs. guest volunteer), confirm certificate turnaround, and communicate expectations to staff so chaperones and volunteers understand requirements before trips.

Next steps: administration will refine wording, attach the supporting administrative regulation for training and certificate submission, and return the policy for further committee review.