Goochland is an awesome place to work, live, and learn! Our employees share a common vision to do all that is possible to ensure the success of students. By investing in our schools through both volunteerism and financial donations, you’re helping to make Goochland a more prosperous place to learn. Recent research on economic development is clear that better schools will lead to a better quality of life and improved economic and financial variables for the citizens of Goochland. Public schools indisputably influence residential property values, and emerging evidence suggests that the quality, size, and shape of school facilities themselves affect economic development.
We hope you will join our mission of making our schools the best they can be—for the future of our students—and the well-being of our community.
Explore the Possibilities
There are many opportunities available for the public to donate their time and energy in our schools. These include serving as a mentor, a tutor, or a guest speaker; reading to a class or chaperoning a student trip; providing assistance in the classroom, cafeteria, library, or main office; coordinating and staffing special events and projects; helping to organize and provide student enrichment or recognition activities; or by offering support for special events, athletic and extracurricular activities, and advisory councils.
In addition, your area of interest or expertise can help with instruction. You can make a real difference in a child’s life through the demonstration of a skill or craft, giving a performance or demonstration, assisting with an enrichment program, discussing travel or careers, or by sharing a personal collection or your own hobby.
We believe it’s our obligation to confidently look our community in the eyes and say we are doing all we can to ensure our students are safe in an engaging, supportive environment.
How to Volunteer
Whether you are self-referred or specifically recommended by a staff member, we can use your help! We ask all potential volunteers to complete a brief application designed to tell us more about you and your interests. Our school board will approve your application, and notice of your approval for volunteer service will be delivered via our human resources department or by a school principal.
Volunteering with Goochland is designed to be a rewarding experience for both you, our teachers, and our students. The application process includes a background security check. This necessary step is done at the school division’s expense, for volunteers who have regular, repeated exposure to students, or for those who will have unsupervised contact. You will be contacted about this check after the completion of your application and the nature of your time with us. We appreciate your willingness to help with the gift of your time.
Financial Support
Goochland also seeks financial support for school activities through grants. However, individuals may also contribute to the schools through the Goochland Education Foundation. The Foundation supports school activities and initiatives through the support of its partners.
Both gifts of time and money may be matched by your employer. Check with the benefits department of your employer to see if they provide in-kind matches for your financial contribution or volunteering with the Goochland County Public Schools.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers must go through a background check. If you’ve been checked before, another the check must be repeated every two years.
Please follow the steps listed below (every two years) to complete the BIB Volunteer Background Check and Central Registry Search Form. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing.
- Follow the instructions to complete and submit your information.
- Print and complete a copy of the Virginia Department of Social Services Central Registry Search Form.
- Sign the form in the presence of a licensed notary.
- Mail the original form to Mrs. Demetra Harris, P.O. Box 169 Goochland, VA 23063
You will receive an email from GCPS through the BIB system notifying you of our decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Background Search Required for Volunteering
Why do I have to complete a background check to volunteer?
The safety and security of our students is of the utmost importance to our division. We require potential volunteers to complete this process to ensure that parents and citizens who interact with our students are safe and qualified to be in our schools.
Who is required to complete a background check?
Background checks are required for any person wishing to volunteer in a capacity that involves interactions with GCPS students. The only exception is for persons currently employed by Goochland County Public Schools or Goochland County Government.
How often must a volunteer submit to a background check?
Effective, February 1, 2017, GCPS volunteers must submit to a background check every two years. Volunteers who completed a background check prior to February 1, 2015 must complete another background check using the new process.
What does the background check consist of?
The background check consists of a county, state and federal criminal history search, along with a Virginia Social Services Central Registry Search for reports of child abuse.
How do I complete the criminal background check online?
The background check can be completed using the BIB Secure Volunteer link for Goochland County Public Schools.
How do I submit to the Virginia Social Services Central Registry Search?
Please print and complete a copy of the Virginia Social Services Central Registry Search Form. Once you have completed the form (per the instructions) please have your signature on the form notarized. Please mail the original notarized form back to Mrs. Demetra Harris, Goochland County Public Schools, P.O. Box 169 Goochland, VA 23063. Please note that Central Office personnel are unable to process forms that have not been properly completed and notarized.
Do I have to schedule an appointment with Central Office personnel to complete my background check?
No, scheduling an appointment with Central Office personnel is no longer required. The process should be completed online.
How long does it take for GCPS to receive the results of the background check?
Generally, the background check takes 5-7 business days to process; however, depending on the information contained in the report, it could take up to 14 business days to process.
How will I know if I am approved to volunteer?
Once you pass your background check the system will send you an approval e-mail to the email address on file.
What if I do not pass the background check?
If you have a criminal history that requires GCPS to deny your request to volunteer, you will be afforded the opportunity to review the information used in making that decision. You will receive an email that outlines how to access that information.
How will the school or teacher know that I have been approved to volunteer?
The school will be notified once you are approved as a volunteer.
Do I have to pay for the background check?
No, GCPS covers all costs associated with the background check process.
