Twice as Many Volunteers in APS Schools This Year

Lower-priced background checks being processed at higher rate than last year.

School volunteers provide an invaluable service.

September 18, 2012

The number of family and community members requesting approval as volunteers in Albuquerque Public Schools classrooms doubled this year, when compared with the same time period in 2011. 

APS Human Resources reports that 758 applications were processed in July and August, while 359 were processed a year ago. The higher number may be attributed to the reduction in the cost of the required background check, which now costs $12. Because fingerprinting also had been required previously, the cost had been $18. 

“While encouraging parent participation, we must also consider the safety of every child in the district by requiring a background check from volunteers prior to any volunteer activity at any APS school,” said APS Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Andrea Trybus. 

Volunteers typically assist teachers in their classrooms, read with students or chaperone field trips. They are welcome in APS schools and their support is invaluable. 

Read more about volunteering in APS…