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SIERRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Every student reaching their potential every day.

NEW Volunteer/Chaperone Training

Welcome to the Sierra Unified School District safety and volunteer page. We are committed to maintaining a secure, nurturing environment for every student across all of our campuses and programs. In alignment with California’s new Senate Bill 848 (SB 848), our district is implementing updated state requirements designed to strengthen child safety through expanded mandated reporter definitions and annual training.

Whether you are a dedicated staff member, a trusted contractor, or a valued school volunteer, your role is vital to keeping our community safe. Below, you will find essential information on how these policy updates affect you, along with step-by-step instructions on how our volunteers can complete the newly required clearance and training process.

 

A graphic with the text 'NEW VOLUNTEER & CHAPERONE REQUIREMENTS' and a heart icon with raised hands.

 

Overview of SB 848 Requirements:

California's Senate Bill 848 expands the legal definition of a "mandated reporter" (those legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect). It now includes:

  • School employees

  • Regular school volunteers

  • District contractors working with students

  • Governing Board members

The law also mandates annual training covering mandated reporting, abuse prevention, and professional boundaries for everyone in these roles.

 

What This Means for Our Community

  • District Employees: All staff will continue annual mandated reporter training, which now features expanded safety content.

  • School Volunteers: Any volunteer interacting with students outside a parent's or staff member's direct supervision (e.g., classroom helpers, field trip chaperones, athletic aides) must complete a training session before serving.

  • Policy Updates: The district has adopted a formal professional-boundaries policy (Board Policy 4119.24) and updated our Comprehensive School Safety Plans.

 

3 Steps to Volunteer at Sierra Unified

If you currently volunteer, or plan to volunteer this year, please complete the following steps. Note: This training must be completed before beginning any unsupervised contact with students, and renewed annually.

  1. Download the Application: Download and fill out the Volunteer Application Form (Insert Link Here).

  2. Submit via Email: Email your completed application to volunteers@sierrausd.org.

  3. Complete the Training: Once your fingerprinting clearance is confirmed, you will receive a custom training link from Public School Works to log in, set up an account, and complete your required safety session.

 

Because this is a newly enacted state requirement, we appreciate your patience as we carefully roll out

this process to ensure a smooth transition.

 

SUSD VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

SUSD Parent Square Communication Update Volunteer Training

Questions & Support

If you have any questions regarding the new clearance process or safety policies, please reach out to our district office:

  • Contact: Kari Collins, Director of Personnel

  • Office: Sierra Unified School District Office

  • Phone: 559.855.3662