The purpose of this agreement is to ensure a safe, positive, and professional environment for students, staff, and volunteers. Volunteers are valued partners in our school community and are expected to support the educational program under the direction of school staff.  

As a community volunteer assisting at Lincoln Academy, you have been authorized by Administration to act as a school volunteer subject to the direction of the school’s administrators and teachers.  As a volunteer, you may under limited circumstances have access to student education records in connection with your authorized duties.  Student education records include all records, files, documents, and other materials that contain personal identifiable information on any student, as well as the personal identifiable information itself (including student grades); and staff or school operational information, when when specifically shared with you as part of your volunteer or committee responsibilities.

Confidentiality: By signing below, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of all student, staff, and school-related information that you generate or to which you are given access as an authorized volunteer. You agree not to disclose or use such information for any purpose other than fulfilling your assigned volunteer duties. Information may only be shared with the school administrator(s), teacher(s), or authorized committee members with whom you are working and only for legitimate school purposes.

Failure to maintain confidentiality may disqualify you from further service as a volunteer in Lincoln Academy or the Jefferson County Public Schools.

Conflict of Interest: Volunteers, including board and committee members, must avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when a volunteer’s personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence—or appear to influence—their actions on behalf of the school. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Using volunteer or board status to gain access to confidential information not relevant to your assigned duties;

• Seeking or accepting personal benefit or business advantage through volunteer service;

• Participating in decisions that could financially benefit yourself, your family, or your business; or
  Attempting to influence the school’s purchasing, contracting, or hiring processes for personal or professional gain.

Volunteers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to the school administration and recuse themselves from any related discussions or decisions.

Volunteer Expectations:

Volunteering is a privilege, not a right. The school reserves the authority to discontinue volunteer participation at any time if expectations are not met or if volunteer behavior disrupts the educational environment.

I agree to the following expectations:

• I will sign in and out at the front office and wear a visitor badge at all times.

• I will conduct myself in a professional manner, to promote the education and interest of the students and the reputation of Lincoln Academy.

• I will perform the duties assigned to me in accordance with the school policies and procedures.

• I understand that as a volunteer I must work under the direction of a professional employee at all times.

• I understand that I am not to be working one-on-one with a student at any time.

• I will refrain from photographing or recording students without staff direction and approval.

• I agree not to post student or school-related information or pictures on social media sites.

• I will never share food, gifts, or personal contact information with students.

• I will avoid discipline, correction, or confrontation with students - instead, report concerns to staff.

• I will respect the confidentiality of all student, staff, and school information shared with me and will not discuss it outside of my volunteer duties.

• I will avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and will not use my volunteer role for personal, financial, or professional gain.

• I understand that I am required to pass a background check to ensure that there are no outstanding concerns with my work with students.

• I understand that a violation of any terms of this volunteer agreement could result in the termination of my volunteer assignment.