1. Why does the school require that volunteers be fingerprinted?
The purpose of the criminal background check is to insure that a person is permitted by law to participate in a school setting as a volunteer or employee. The California Education Code, Health and Safety Code and Penal Code sections determine which offenses are or are not permitted. Fingerprinting is the most accurate way to collect this information.
2. What if I have an old DUI on my record and parking violations?
Not everyone with an offense on their record is excluded from volunteering. Each situation is handled confidentially on a case-by-case basis. Please note that prospective volunteers are asked to disclose any and all prior history of criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations.
3. Will my fingerprints be passed to any other government agency?
Your fingerprints are cleared with the Department of Justice and the FBI. Beyond that, your fingerprints will not be used for any other purpose than to make sure you are safe to work with children and will not be passed to any other agency.
4. How long are my fingerprint results valid?
As long as you volunteer in MHUSD Schools.
5. Do I have to be fingerprinted to attend award ceremonies or theater performances for my child?
No. Attending an event is not considered volunteerism; however, any person working or assisting with setup, cleanup, or organizing the event is considered a volunteer and needs to be fingerprinted.
6. If I’ve been fingerprinted for my work or another district, can this report be used?
No, a new fingerprint clearance must be conducted with results sent directly to MHUSD before volunteers begin working with children on behalf of the school.
7. Will the tuberculosis (TB) test, COVID vaccine, and fingerprinting requirements be tracked? How and by whom?
The results of these requirements are kept on file at the MHUSD Human Resources office. Once a volunteer is cleared (or re-verified in 2021 or thereafter), they will receive a badge which can be used at any site or school program when volunteering.
8. Why do I need to get tested for tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that can be deadly if not treated properly. Each year, Santa Clara County reports more cases of active TB than 30 states. In order to volunteer with children, you need to be free of this disease.
9. Where can I get a tuberculosis test?
TB tests may be obtained by any physician or clinic. California School Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Questionnaire
10. Why do I need to submit verification of COVID vaccine?
According to CDPH guidelines, “Schools should limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated.” We want to welcome back volunteers in a limited capacity during the pandemic, and the safest way to do so is to limit the number of additional interactions on each campus and to ensure that all volunteers, walk-on coaches, substitute teachers, and contractors are fully vaccinated.
11. Where can I get a digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record?
You can visit https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.
