Application Renewal and Updates for Returning Volunteers

Thank you for your past volunteer service – we are excited you are interested in continuing to volunteer with Seattle Public Schools or to take on a new volunteer role!

New: Until March 2026, our volunteer application system used a single process for all school volunteer roles, regardless of clearance level, which created challenges for both volunteers and School Volunteer Liaisons. This school year, with support from the Buildings, Technology, and Academics Levy, we built a new system that organizes volunteer profiles by school and volunteer role, providing a more user-friendly experience for new volunteers and reducing onboarding errors. This reorganization requires returning volunteers to pick their school and role before updating or renewing their application. If you are approved to volunteer at your school, no action is needed until you change your volunteer role or your background check expires. All previously completed application items will automatically repopulate when you pick a volunteer role, and you will only need to complete new or expired items. This web page was updated on 3/23/26 to reflect these changes.

Steps to Renew Volunteer Application

A minimum of 4 weeks is required for renewal. Volunteers must update their applications at least four (4) weeks before the expected volunteer service start date. Seven weeks is recommended for overnight field trips.

Follow steps 1-5 below even if your application was approved prior to the current school year.

Step 1: Review the Volunteer Handbook

Carefully review the online Volunteer Handbook to learn about laws and policies volunteers are required to follow, volunteer rights, and tips for successful volunteering. 

Step 2: Choose the school where you will volunteer

Step 3: Choose the volunteer role you were asked to fill

Review the role requirements carefully – some roles require special background checks or certifications. Click “Sign Up,” then “Login.” Do not select “New volunteer” since you are a returning volunteer.

Step 4: Follow prompts to be placed in your volunteer role

Our upgraded application dashboard allows volunteers to save their updates as they go. If you need to renew your background check, it will be the only step you need to complete in your dashboard. If it has been more than 2 years since you reviewed the Volunteer Program Participation Agreement, you will be asked to read and acknowledge it, also, etc.

If you experience problems updating or renewing your volunteer application, visit our volunteer portal guide for tips.

Step 5: School Approval

The school volunteer liaison must verify your information before your first volunteer shift at a new school. If the school volunteer liaison confirms your identity and verifies that you completed the correct background check type, they will add your name to their school’s “Approved Volunteers List” so you can sign in as a volunteer via the electronic visitor kiosk.

If you have questions about your application or background check, call the school office or email the volunteer program liaison. Your school will have access to your updated application the day after you submit your changes.

Do you have more than one student at SPS?

If you are asked to volunteer in the same or another role at an additional school, go back to Step 2. If your new volunteer role has the same clearance requirements as the first one, your application will be automatically routed to the new school for approval.