Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Sumter County Schools remains committed to the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors. In alignment with updated district policies and Florida Statutes (specifically regarding Level 2 screenings for those with unsupervised access to students), we have implemented revised background screening requirements for all volunteers.
Status of Current Volunteers
Individuals who are currently approved as district volunteers will maintain their status as Level 1 Volunteers for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year. No immediate action is required for those who have already received clearance for the current term.
Understanding the Volunteer Levels
To ensure our community is well-informed of the safety protocols, please review the requirements and permissions for each tier:
Level 1 (Standard Clearance)
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Requirement: A criminal background check against the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Sexual Offender and Predator database.
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Process: Completion of the online volunteer application and a $16 processing fee (valid for 3 years for new applicants after January 1, 2026).
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Supervision: Level 1 volunteers must be under the direct supervision of school personnel at all times while on campus.
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Scope: Appropriate for classroom assistance, guest reading, and daytime school events where staff are present.
Level 2 (Enhanced Clearance)
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Requirement: State and federal (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal history checks via the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Florida Statute 435.12).
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Process: Requires a fingerprinting appointment. In Sumter County, the cost is approximately $63.00, which covers state, federal, and FBI fees.
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Supervision: Level 2 clearance allows for access to students without direct staff supervision in specific capacities.
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Scope: Mandatory for mentors (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Take Stock in Children), athletic coaches, and chaperones for certain off-campus or overnight events.
Application and Inquiries
For specific questions regarding your current status, the fingerprinting process, or technical assistance with the application, please contact:
Nicole Butzer-Collins Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 352-793-2315 ext 50206
Email: Nicole.Butzer-Collins@sumter.k12.fl.us
The District appreciates your cooperation in adhering to these safety protocols. Your dedication to our students and schools is a vital part of our success.
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